Although the physical symptoms of body image disorders are prominent, eating disorders are actually a psychological problem. The incidence of anorexia nervosa , which is especially seen in young girls, is much lower in boys. In the studies carried out, the disease is seen in one out of every thousand young girls, and the person refuses to eat because of the anxiety of gaining weight. For this reason, it can face serious health problems and even death.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa; It is an eating disorder characterized by abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight. It is also known as anorexia or loss of appetite.

Individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa tend to make significant changes in their own lives to control their weight and body shape. In this direction, individuals usually make serious restrictions on the amount of food they eat in order to prevent weight gain or continue to lose weight. They may vomit after eating or abuse tools such as laxatives, diet pills, diuretics, or enemas to control the calorie intake the body needs.

What Causes Anorexia Nervosa?

True cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown. However, there are some social and physical factors that increase the risk of this disease. These factors are as follows:

• Stress
• Having an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, in the family or in the immediate environment
• Confusion caused by sexual growth in adolescents
• Dealing with work done using the body
• Social pressure to think you have to be too thin to be sexually attractive
• Going through difficult experiences such as divorce, moving, changing schools or losing a loved one

What are the Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa?

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa are as follows:

• Severe weight loss as a result of not eating or eating very little
• Negative effects on skin and hair due to insufficient nutrition
• Being constantly depressed and anxious
• Absence of menstruation for 3 months if the person is a woman
• Damage to tooth enamel and decay of teeth due to acid coming into the mouth from the stomach
• Vomiting this food after eating much more than you should in a short time
• Increased hair growth on the person's body
• Presence of gastrointestinal system disorders such as stomach pains, constipation, diarrhea
• Having trouble sleeping
• Constant vomiting after eating
• Doing heavy exercises besides not eating due to being obsessed with weight
• Thinking that he is overweight even when he is thin and afraid of gaining weight
• Constant thoughts on food, weight and diet

Anorexia Diagnosis

Patient has anorexia nervosa can make a definitive diagnosis through various tests and methods.

With the physical examination, the patient's body mass index, heart rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, skin and nail condition are checked. The number of electrolytes in the body is measured by blood tests and at the same time a complete blood count is done. In addition to these tests and methods, with some psychological tests, experts will have information about the mood and mentality of the person.

Since complications that may occur as a result of anorexia can be very variable, many different methods can be used in the diagnosis process.

Anorexia Treatment

Psychotherapy includes useful but different types of treatment for anorexia. The main goal in psychotherapy is to support healthy eating habits and to work towards restrictive and obstructive thoughts. Psychiatric consultation is also applied for anxiety and depression caused by the disease during mental treatment.

Family relationships are also very important for people with anorexia nervosa. People need their parents' support for nutrition and weight loss until they can make good health choices. For this reason, the attitude of the family is very important in the treatment of anorexia.