Anorexia who is affected

Men and boys might be more reluctant to talk about their symptoms. They may be less likely to admit they have a problem. They are often afraid that others will see them as less masculine. They may worry that others will think they are homosexual because of the untrue stereotypes about eating disorders. These fears may make it harder for some boys and men to get the help they need. The information we get about eating disorders from television, magazines or our friends is often not true.

For example, many people believe that only teenage girls and women have eating disorders. Others wrongly think disordered eating is a choice rather than an illness. It looks like you're using an old version of Internet Explorer. For the best experience, please update your browser. Update Internet Explorer or learn how to browse happy.

If you would like to continue to the site using your current browser, click here. Are you in crisis? The typical profile of a person with anorexia nervosa is an adolescent to young adult female who is perfectionistic, hard-working, introverted, resistant to change and highly self-critical. They also tend to have low self-esteem based on body image distortion and avoid risky or potentially harmful behaviors or situations.

That is, a sense of mastery and accomplishment is achieved as weight is lost. Over time, these habits cause problems of their own that may increase anxiety, stress and negative mood. There are two subgroups of behavior aimed at reducing caloric intake, including the following:. The symptoms of anorexia nervosa may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions.

Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. Parents, family members, spouses, teachers, coaches, and instructors may be able to identify an individual with anorexia nervosa, although many persons with the disorder initially keep their illness very private and hidden.

A detailed history of the individual's behavior from family, parents, and teachers, clinical observations of the person's behavior, contribute to the diagnosis. Because a number of medical conditions can mimic some features of anorexia nervosa, a complete medical evaluation is needed. Family members who note symptoms of anorexia nervosa in a loved one can help by seeking an evaluation and treatment early.

Early treatment can often prevent future problems. Anorexia nervosa, and the malnutrition that results, can adversely affect nearly every organ system in the body, increasing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Anorexia can be fatal.

Consult your physician for more information. Treatment should always be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the individual and family. Family therapy is focused on providing support and limit-setting on problem behaviors. Individual therapy usually includes both cognitive and behavioral techniques. Medication may be helpful if depressed moods or worrisome thoughts interfere with daily life.

Re-establishing a normal weight may relieve depression on its own, and anti-depressants are not effective at very low body weight. The frequent occurrence of medical complications and the possibility of death during the course of acute and rehabilitative treatment requires both your physician and a nutritionist to be active members of the management team. Families play a vital supportive role in any treatment process.

Medical complications are common in anorexia nervosa. Almost all complications are reversible with weight restoration related to healthy eating and physical activity. Without treatment, complications persist and can worsen, and can be associated with death. The short-term complications include, but are not limited to, the following:.

To understand eating disorders, researchers have studied the neuroendocrine system, which is made up of a combination of the central nervous and hormonal systems. The neuroendocrine system regulates multiple functions of the mind and body. It has been found that many of the following regulatory mechanisms may be, to some degree, disturbed in persons with eating disorders:.

As already noted, many people with eating disorders may also have anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive traits. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What causes anorexia nervosa? Symptoms of anorexia nervosa Behavioural symptoms of anorexia nervosa Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa Types of anorexia nervosa Long-term risks of ongoing anorexia nervosa Treatment of anorexia nervosa Where to get help.

Triggers for the development or re-emergence of the condition may include: dieting — this is the primary risk factor and trigger for most eating disorders changes in life circumstances a singular traumatic experience repeated exposure to trauma, bullying or abuse. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa An awareness of the signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa can help early detection. Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa If you think you or someone you know might have anorexia nervosa, it is important that you see your doctor as soon as possible.

To diagnose anorexia nervosa, a doctor: will need to do a full physical examination may complete blood tests may ask questions about your health, including your emotional health and wellbeing, medical history and current lifestyle. Types of anorexia nervosa There are two types of anorexia nervosa. The signs can be different in each person, but they might include: restricting certain types of food such as carbohydrates or high-fat foods obsessively counting kilojoule intake skipping meals excessively exercising.

Long-term risks of ongoing anorexia nervosa Untreated and ongoing anorexia nervosa can cause problems including: weakened bones osteoporosis slowed growth in young people infertility disorders of the bowel and gut problems with concentration and thinking problems with decision-making social, emotional and educational problems.

Treatment of anorexia nervosa Research is continuing into which treatment for anorexia nervosa might be most effective. This might include establishing a healthcare team of different professionals such as: a psychiatrist a psychologist a dietician a family therapist a social worker an occupational therapist. Treatment needs to address both physical and psychological health.

FBT is an approach in which the whole family works together to fight against the eating disorder, and to support you in regaining control of your life Cognitive Behaviour Therapy CBT — CBT works on changing the unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that are causing and maintaining the eating disorder. This is the most researched and recommended treatment for adults. Your healthcare professionals will work with you to help you work out the links between your thinking, your emotional response and your eating behaviour support groups — can be helpful but do not replace treatment from healthcare professionals other treatment options such as medications and supplements to help strengthen your bones and, in some cases, medication prescribed by a doctor to support your mental health for example, antidepressants.

The aims of treatment include: restoring your healthy weight reversing any effects of malnutrition making sure you are physically safe and healthy making sure you are mentally healthy. Where to get help In an emergency, always call triple zero A GP with experience supporting people with an eating disorder Eating Disorders Victoria Hub. Anorexia nervosa , , National Eating Disorders Collaboration.

Paying the price: the economic and social impact of eating disorders in Australia , Butterfly Foundation for Eating Disorders. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all healthy eating. Related information. Support groups Eating Disorders Victoria? About support groups. From other websites Eating Disorders Victoria — What is anorexia? National Eating Disorders Collaboration — What is anorexia nervosa?