Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by a distorted image of one's own body as being too fat, an abnormally low body weight and extreme efforts to lose weight.

Medical professionals

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by a distorted image of one's own body as being too fat, an abnormally low body weight and extreme efforts to lose weight. This leads to the absence of periods and various other physical problems. Causes include social pressure and traumatic experiences, for example. Those affected are advised to obtain specialist help.

Symptoms

General

Gender: ♀ > ♂ (10:1)
Disorder peaks between the ages of 15 and 25
1.2 % of female teenagers in Switzerland are affected

Symptoms

Body dysmorphic disorder: distorted image of one's own body and sense of self-worth (body is seen as too fat, regardless of actual body weight)
Low body weight: body weight is at least 15% below the expected weight or the BMI (body mass index) is less than 17.5
Weight loss caused intentionally
- Refusal to eat, sometimes vomiting after eating (see also bulimia)
- Excessive physical activity, misuse of medication
Hormonal disturbances (absence of periods, loss of libido)
Personality structure
- Patients are usually ambitious, perfectionist and very performance-driven
- Unhealthy obsession with food and body weight
- Disease is hidden and denied (feelings of shame)
- Often accompanied by psychiatric disorders: depression, addiction, fears/compulsions

Consequences (list is not exhaustive)

Deficiencies (e.g. collection of fluid in the tissues)
Constipation
Low blood pressure, slow heart rate, heart arrhythmia
Always cold, low body temperature
Osteoporosis, dental caries
Hair falls out, dry skin
Approx. 10% of patients die

Causes and treatment

Causes

Genetic factors
Activation of reward system in the brain by fasting (addiction-like gratification)
Sometimes traumatic experiences
Impaired conflict processing (e.g. hunger as an instrument of power or punishment)
Social pressure (ideals of beauty, performance pressure, peer pressure)
Problems with maturing into a woman, rejection of own femininity

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Physical examination
Blood test
Electrocardiogram (ECG), if necessary

Possible therapies

Outpatient approach (BMI > 15, understanding of disease, good family support)
Inpatient approach (BMI < 15, life is in danger, no improvement as outpatient, etc.)
Psychotherapy (also for family members, if necessary)
Nutritional therapy and advice