Characteristics Of A Person With Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, commonly known as anorexia, is a psychological disorder in which an individual considers themselves as being overweight, or controls the shape and size of a specific body part, even when they are extremely thin. In the more severe form of this disease, one may be petrified of gaining weight or may have a tremendous obsession over the shape of the body to the point that people are sick of eating, and may take extreme measures to lose weight.

Individuals associated with the following factors are at risk of getting anorexia nervosa:

• Female gender
• Teenagers
• An ethnic group such as Caucasian
• Middle and upper socioeconomic group
• Professionals such as athlete, models, dancers, and actors
• Family history of anorexia
• High emotional stress
• Starvation
• General history of under-eating
• Mothers with postpartum depression
• Victims of childhood abuse
• Extreme parental pressure
• Depression, stress, or anxiety
• Lack of social or family support
• Low self-esteem

The medical complications of anorexia nervosa occur mainly due to starvation. The following are the complications of anorexia nervosa:

• Bradycardia (low blood heart rate)
• Low blood pressure
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Amenorrhea (absence of a menstrual period)
• Hormonal changes
• Potassium deficiency
• Decreased urination
• Diabetes insipidus
• Osteopenia (thinning of bones)
• Increased risk of fractures
• Suicidal thoughts
• Alcohol and substance misuse
• Personality disorders
• Mood disorders
• Anemia
• Suppressed immunity
• High risk of infection
• High cholesterol level
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Flaky and dry skin
• Yellow tinge skin
• Brittle nails
• Fine hair
• Frequent vomiting
• Tooth loss
• Hair loss
• Inconsistent body temperature
• Death

Detecting early signs of anorexia can help in preventing anorexia nervosa. You can prevent your loved ones from developing anorexia at the early stages by the following ways:

• Look out for signs such as eating disorders, dramatic weight loss, constant complaining about being fat, avoiding mealtimes, and excessive exercising.
• Educate yourself about anorexia, especially the myths and facts
• Talk to your loved ones about the importance of being healthy, the dangers of dieting, and also about the importance of personality over the image.
• Get the help of a psychiatrist if necessary
• Teach your loved one about inner beauty rather than focusing on external appearance.
• Compliment your loved one now and then
• Be a role model to your loved one in all ways