A mental health concern that is not talked about enough is the realm of eating disorders. Much like suicide, eating disorders make others uncomfortable. When someone mentions they’re depressed, most people can relate to some extent and can sympathize. It’s easier to be there for someone with depression or anxiety. But when someone discloses an eating disorder, that’s difficult for people who have never experienced that to feel comfortable knowing what to say. Part of this is because of the many misconceptions about eating disorders.
This post will be part of a series discussing eating disorders.
What is Anorexia Nervosa (AN)?
Anorexia nervosa may be the most well-known eating disorder, but it is not well understood by the average person. It is also not the most common! This is mostly because the requirements for AN are very strict and difficult to meet for many people who may be struggling. For example, one of the important (and mandatory) criteria is having a low BMI. This is not something that many people with eating disorders actually meet! However, because it is a very visually shocking disorder, this is the one we hear about and the one that people make media about. It also speaks to society’s desire and focus on thinness.
Anorexia is a disorder that is characterized by weight loss and a fear of gaining weight. This is often achieved by extreme calorie restriction or some form of binging and then purging (exercise, vomiting, laxatives). Often, it is a combination of the three.
What Causes AN?
The mechanisms behind developing any eating disorder are complicated and not well known. We don’t really know why some people develop an eating disorder and why others don’t. Or why some people with eating disorders develop anorexia specifically as opposed to a different disorder. One thing we have noticed is that there is commonly a theme of perfectionism. Another common theme is growing up in a family that puts a lot of emphasis on physical beauty. Often, we also see that eating disorders run in families.
The answer for any one person could be one, all, or none of these reasons.
What are the Symptoms?
Rapid weight loss is usually one of the first symptoms people notice. Along with thinning hair, low energy, and other physical health problems. The issue here is that these symptoms tend to be noticeable as the disorder has progressed. There are early symptoms to look out for. With anorexia, you’ll commonly see someone become more secretive over their eating habits. They may not eat in front of others very willingly. Another aspect of eating is that they will stop eating certain types of foods, usually quite suddenly. Someone exercising excessively is another symptom you can see in anorexia. Of course there are many more, but these are the most common ones.
How is it Treated?
Anorexia is usually treated through some form of cognitive behavior therapy. There has been a form of CBT that has been modified specifically for anorexia. DBT has also been shown to be effective in treating eating disorders. For teenagers and children with AN, family therapy can be especially helpful, even more so if there are problems within the family that could be contributing to the symptoms.
Currently there is no medication that has been shown to be effective for treating anorexia. Often, if medication is used, it will be used for controlling other symptoms like depression or anxiety.
