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What is characteristics and Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa?

What is meant by anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is an unhealthy eating disorder characterized by having a body weight that is too low for the age and height of the person. People who suffer from this emotional disturbance experience extreme fear of gaining weight, even when they are already very thin.

They tried to manage their bodies again in various ways such as:


  • go on a strict diet.
  • excessive physical activity.
  • taking laxatives.
  • always spewing out food that was eaten intentionally.
  • How common is anorexia nervosa?
  • Anorexia nervosa is more common in women than men. Often this condition begins to occur during preadolescence, during adolescence, and early adulthood. This aberrant diet can cause extreme low weight and can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Always consult a doctor for more information.




Signs & Symptoms
What are the characteristics and symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
Common symptoms and characteristics of anorexia nervosa:


  • An extreme fear of gaining weight or being fat, even when you are thin
  • Deliberately spitting food
  • Take medicines that stimulate urination and bowel movements
  • Take various types of diet drugs
  • Do not eat or eat in very small amounts
  • Lots of exercise even when the weather is bad or sick and tired (excessive exercise)
  • Weigh up food sizes and count food calories

Anorexia can also cause psychological effects that make a person not behave as usual. They can talk a lot about weight and food, not eat in front of people, be moody and sad, or don't even want to socialize with friends. Anorexia sufferers can also experience physical and psychological disorders, such as:


  • Depression
  • No menstruation (amenorrhea)
  • Dehydration
  • Osteoporosis
  • Thin hair and easily fall out
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • In addition, there are still some characteristics and symptoms not mentioned above. If you have the same complaint, please consult your doctor.


When should I call the doctor?
If you have the characteristics or symptoms above, or have other questions, please consult a doctor. Anorexia can be very threatening to a person's life if he has reached a very thin body condition. Most people who experience anorexia will refuse the treatment given because they do not feel they have a problem. The best thing to do is provide support to them and make sure that they do have a problem and need medical treatment.

What causes anorexia nervosa?
The main cause of anorexia nervosa is still unknown. Various factors can include depression, and various other mental disorders, can cause a person to experience this deviant eating behavior. In addition, the environment and social media can also influence a person's perception of beauty standards, namely a very thin posture.


  • Risk factors
  • What increases my risk of contracting anorexia nervosa?
  • Some of the risk factors below can make you more likely to get anorexia nervosa, which are:

  • Family history. If you have a mother or sister who has anorexia, you can be very vulnerable to anorexia.
  • Low self-confidence. A person suffering from anorexia may dislike himself. They may really hate their appearance, or feel hopeless. They often set targets that are difficult to achieve for themselves in order to become or feel as perfect as they want.
  • Changes in life or experiences that create stress.
  • Traumatic events such as rape, as well as stressful experiences such as starting a new job can cause anorexia.
  • Social media influence. Pictures on TV, the internet, and print media often campaign for a thin body type to seem better. The photos indicate that being thin is a success and beauty.


Medicines & Medications
The information below is not a substitute for medical advice from a doctor; always check with your professional doctor.

What are some examples of treatments that can be performed on people with anorexia nervosa?
The biggest challenge in dealing with someone with anorexia nervosa is to make them aware that they have a disorder. Many people with anorexia deny that they have an unhealthy diet. The sufferers who end up doing medical treatment are only those who are truly serious. Treatment for anorexia sufferers can be in the form of:


  • Conversation therapy is often done with young patients or someone who has just had anorexia for a while to encourage them to return to a healthy diet.
  • Perform special therapies called cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers can help some anorexia patients when given as part of a complete treatment program. These drugs can help deal with depression and anxiety.




What types of tests are used to diagnose anorexia nervosa?
The doctor makes a diagnosis from the patient's medical history (specifically regarding body weight and diet), physical examination, and laboratory tests to describe other conditions. There is no specific test made to find out anorexia. Extreme weight loss without physical illness, especially in young women, is often an important sign.

The doctor may ask:


  • How long have you been worried about your weight?
  • Do you exercise regularly?
  • Do you use a particular method of losing weight?
  • Have you ever vomited when you feel too full?
  • Has anyone ever said that you are too thin?
  • Do you often think about food?
  • Have you ever saved food to eat later?
  • Does anyone in your family also suffer from eating disorders?
  • If there is a possibility of anorexia, the doctor will ask you to do a series of additional tests, namely:



  • Albumin
  • Bone density test to check for thin bones (osteoporosis)
  • CBC
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
  • Electrolyte
  • Kidney function test
  • Liver function test
  • Amount of protein
  • Thyroid function test
  • Urinalysis

Home remedies
What are some forms of lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me overcome anorexia nervosa?
The following are forms of a healthy lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with anorexia nervosa:


  • Reduce stress
  • Acknowledge that you have anorexia
  • Eat food that is prescribed by a doctor or nutritionist
  • Follow a counseling session
  • Take medicines as instructed
  • Buy clothes that fit your posture, not clothes that require you to lose weight first to wear them
  • Love yourself for who you are
  • If you have questions, please consult a professional doctor immediately to get the best medical solution.
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