|
Mental Health News Articles
Page: 1
| Posted: 7th August 2004 |
| Anorexia nervosa |
 |
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by voluntary starvation and exercise stress. Anorexia nervosa is a complex disease, involving psychological, sociological and physiological components. A person who is suffering from anorexia is known as an anorectic (although the spellings anorexic and anoretic also exist) .
Characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa
The cause(s) of anorexia is a matter of debate in medical circles and society in general. General perspectives fit between the poles of it being physiological or psychological (with the potential for sociological and cultural influences being a cause to various degrees) in origin. Many now take the opinion that it is a mix of both, in that it is a psychological condition which is often (though not inherently) borne of certain conducive neurophysiologic conditions.
Physiological
The primary physiological characteristics of anorexia nervosa are voluntary starvation and exercise stress. In addition to intentional starvation, subjects will also take part in a high level of physical activity. Anorexia nervosa also negatively impacts the immune system and the Central Nervous System.
It is also thought to be linked to serotonin and dopamine abnormalities.
Many individuals who have obsessive-compulsive disorders also have an eating-disordered parent, presumably connected with shared genetic characteristics.
Anorexic subjects will often go through a cycle of recovery and relapse.
Psychological
Anorexia alters an individual's body image to the point where they may see themselves as being fat and bilious irrespective of their actual size. This distorted body image is a source of considerable anxiety, and losing weight is considered to be the solution. However, when a weight-loss goal is attained, the anorectic still feels overweight and in need of further weight-loss.
The attainment of a lower weight is typically viewed as a victory, and the gaining of weight as a defeat. |
|
Pages: 1 2 3 4 |
|
