Anorexia Nervosa

One of the most common mental illnesses that affects adolescents today is eating disorders. Further, it is estimated that 1 out of every 100 adolescents are affected by this disorder. Out of those affected, 95% are female. Although anorexia is an eating disorder, primarily it is a psychological disorder that goes beyond excessive diet and exercising. According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 0.5% to 3.7% of women will suffer from this disorder at some point in their lives.

Usually the disorder begins with dieting and weight loss. Once the weight loss begins it often becomes a sense of control or balance. The drive to become thinner is actually less important to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. The individual continues the endless cycle of restrictive eating often to a point close to starvation in order to feel a sense of control over the body. This cycle becomes an obsession and is similar to any type of drug or substance addiction.

Anorexia can have dangerous psychological and behavioral effects on all aspects of an individual's life and can affect other family members as well.

Below are signs and symptoms of those that may have the illness:

-The individual can become seriously underweight, which can lead to depression and social withdrawal.
-The individual can become irritable and easily upset and have difficulty interacting with others.
-Sleep can become disrupted and lead to fatigue during the day.
-Attention and concentration can decrease.
-Most individuals with anorexia become obsessed with food and thoughts of food. They think about it constantly and become compulsive about eating rituals. They may collect recipes, cut their food into tiny pieces, prepare elaborate calorie-laden meals for other people, or hoard food. Additionally, they may exhibit other obsessions and/or compulsions related to food, weight, or body shape that meet the diagnostic criteria for an obsessive compulsive disorder.
-Other psychiatric problems are also common in people with anorexia nervosa, including affective (mood) disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
-Generally, individuals with anorexia are compliant. Sometimes, they are overly compliant, to the extent that they lack adequate self-perception. They are eager to please and strive for perfection. They usually do well in school and may often overextend themselves in a variety of activities. The families of anorexics often appear to be "perfect." Physical appearances are important to them. Performance in other areas is stressed as well, and they are often high achievers.
-While control and perfection are critical issues for individuals with anorexia, aspects of their life other than their eating habits are often found to be out of control as well. Many have, or have had at some point in their lives, addictions to alcohol, drugs, or gambling. Compulsions involving sex, exercising, housework, and shopping are not uncommon. In particular, people with anorexia often exercise compulsively to speed the weight-loss process.

Fortunately, anorexia can be treated by out patient care or hospitilization. However, the disease tends to be a constant struggle throughout the rest of the patients life.

Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/anorexia_nervosa/page5.htm