Eating Disorders - Anorexia Nervosa Effects
by Michael Russell
zone3
In this next article in our continuing series we're going to discuss
the effects of Anorexia Nervosa on a person, as well as going over some
facts and figures.
The main assault of this disease is that it focuses on self starvation.
Since the body needs food as a basic means for survival, the effects of
this disease are numerous to say the least. Because the body is not
getting enough nutrition, it is forced to slow down in order to compensate
for this. This slowing down can have serious consequences on a person's
body.
There are a number of health consequences from Anorexia Nervosa. The
main ones are as follows:
1. People suffering from this disease, after an extended period of
time, suffer from an abnormally slow heart rate and very low blood
pressure. This causes the heart muscle itself to change. The chance of
heart failure rises as heart rate and blood pressure decrease.
2. Because of the lack of calcium in a person's diet, since they are
not getting enough food in general, there is a great risk of reduced bone
density, which is known as osteoporosis. This results in very dry and
brittle bones which makes them very susceptible to breaking.
3. Again, because of the lack of nutrition, a person suffering from
this disease will suffer from muscle weakness and potential muscle loss.
This can lead to more serious muscular disorders.
4. Most people who suffer from this disease not only don't eat enough
but also don't even drink enough water. This can result in severe
dehydration which can ultimately lead to kidney failure.
5. Less serious symptoms, but certainly cause for concern, are overall
weakness including fatigue and fainting, which in itself can be dangerous
when behind the wheel of a car.
6. People suffering from this disease also suffer from thin and dry
hair. Hair loss is very common.
7. Because of the overall deterioration of the body, a covering of hair
begins to grow over the body in an effort to keep the body warm.
And now a few statistics about this disease that you may or may not be
aware of.
a. About 90-95% of the people who suffer from this disease are women,
most of them young girls.
b. About 1% of all American women suffer from Anorexia Nervosa.
c. Of all the psychiatric disorders, Anorexia Nervosa is the most
common diagnosed in women in general.
d. The mortality rate of people suffering from Anorexia Nervosa is
between 5 and 20%. The probability of death increases with the length of
time the person has been suffering from the disease.
e. Anorexia Nervosa has one of the highest rates of death of all mental
disorders.
f. The disease itself usually shows itself in early to mid
adolescence.
The treatments for this disease are similar to the treatments for
Bulimia. It is important that immediate psychiatric help is gotten for the
sufferer. The quicker the diagnosis and treatment the greater the chance
for survival.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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