Aneorexics' do not function normally, they are possessed with thoughts of weight, body image, food and calories. Eating disorders are often manifestations of profound unhappiness and distress.

Out of any mental illness, aneorexia has one of the highest fatality rates in the world. There are many symptoms that can help to identify somone who is suffering from aneorexia. Aneorexia is typically characterized by the refusal to maintain a body weight that is consistent with their body build, age and height.

The individual with aneorexia usually experiences an intense and overwhelming fear of gaining wieght or becoming fat. This fear is regardless of what that person's actual weight is and often continues until the person is near death due to starvation.

A poor self image is another symptom, they believe that thier body weight, shape and size is directly related to how good they feel about themselves and their worth. Another symptom is if three consecutive menstrual cycles are missed, if the women was menstruating previously before the onset of the eating disorder.

There are two different types of aneorexia nervosa. Restricting type is when the person with this eating disorder, restricts their food intake on their own and does not engage in binge eating or purging behavior.

The other is called binge eating/purging type. The person inflicted with this type of the disorder self induces vomiting or misues laxatives, diuretics or enemas. Treatments for eating disorders can be very challenging not only for the person being treated but also for their family, friends and even the doctor treating the illness.

Inpatient hospitalization may be necessary for patients whom are severely ill and or have had a relapse from baseline weight or is below 15% of the appropriate body weight. Regular meals with liquid suppliments are encouraged and so are individual and or group therapy.

Supplement dietary and medical therapies can also be used as form of treatment. Psychotherapy is also used as a treatment but this treatment can involve a significant time and financial commitment. Cognitive behavioral treatments are also available to those that need it however talking with your doctor is definaltely recommended before any treatment is tried.

Interpersonal psychotherapy and family therapy are also good treatments as are family and group psychotherapy. Medications such as antidepressants, tranquilixers and estrogen can be used in many treatments.

If you are very uncomfortable trying any of those treatments is can also be possible to try self help books and programs as well. Overal Aneorexia is a very serious disorder which requires cooperation from all the parties involved and treatment should be started as soon as possible after the disorder has been diagnosed.

I hope that you have found my article informative and if you have any further questions I suggest that you go online at your local library where much more information can be found for anyone who is in need of it. Take care and be healthy.

Learn more about this author, Christina Rivas.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Symptoms and treatment of anorexia?
We want to hear your view. Write now!