Anorexia Nervosa
Definition
Anorexia nervosa is a clinical syndrome characterized by low body weight, amenorrhoea, distorted body image, also an intense fear of gaining weight. [1]
There aren’t true synonyms for Anorexia Nervosa as it’s a specific clinical diagnosis. However, there are some related terms you could use depending on the context:
- Clinical terms:
- Restrictive eating disorder – This is a broader term that encompasses Anorexia Nervosa but also other conditions where people restrict their food intake.
- Self-starvation – This term describes the behavior of someone with Anorexia Nervosa, but it’s not a clinical diagnosis.
- Informal terms: (Use these cautiously, as they may not accurately reflect the seriousness of the condition)
- Anorexia – This is a shortened version of Anorexia Nervosa, but it’s important to note that there’s also a medical condition called simply "anorexia" that refers to a loss of appetite due to a physical illness.
- Anorexic – This is an adjective that describes someone with Anorexia Nervosa, but it can also be used as a noun (which is not recommended by medical professionals).
Overview
Epidemiology
Causes
Types
Risk Factors
Pathogenesis
Pathophysiology
Clinical Features
Sign & Symptoms
Clinical Examination
Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
Complications
Investigations
Treatment
Prevention
Homeopathic Treatment
Diet & Regimen
Do's & Don'ts
Terminology
References
Also Search As
Overview
Overview of Anorexia nervosa
In general, Anorexia nervosa is relatively common condition which may present to almost any clinical specialty with a multitude of presenting complaints.
Moreover, The term ‘anorexia nervosa’ was first used by William Gull in 1874, and his original description of the essence of the condition contains all of the core elements of the diagnostic criteria that we use today.
The ratio of affected females to males is reportedly 10:1.
Lastly, the average age of onset is 15–17 years for females and 12–13 years for males. [1]
Epidemiology
Epidemiology of Anorexia Nervosa
While there have been several studies and case reports on anorexia nervosa (AN) in India, comprehensive epidemiological data remains limited. Here are two references that provide some insights:
Anorexia nervosa in Indian adolescents: a report of two cases (Malhotra et al., 2014) –
- This case report discusses the increasing reporting of AN cases from non-Western societies and presents two cases of adolescent girls in India with AN. It suggests that the clinical picture and risk factors associated with AN, as well as the response to treatment, may be similar to those reported in the West. [14]
(PDF) Eating Disorders: An Overview of Indian Research (Chaudhary et al., 2019) –
- This overview of Indian research on eating disorders (ED) highlights the scarcity of epidemiological studies in India. It does, however, discuss several case reports and case series that provide insights into the presentation and management of AN in the Indian context. [15]
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples, and the research landscape is constantly evolving. For a more comprehensive understanding, it is recommended to consult additional research articles and reviews on this topic.
Causes
Causes of Anorexia nervosa
- Cerebral abnormality
- Genetics
- Serotonin dysregulation
- Occasionally, Zinc deficiency
- Childhood upbringing
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Adverse events in early life also home environment
- Occupation
- Societal pressures
Types
Types
Anorexia falls into 2 general types i.e.:
1.Firstly, Restricting type
People with this type of anorexia nervosa place severe restrictions on the quantity and type of food they consume.
2.Secondly, purging type
People with this type of anorexia also place severe restrictions on the food they eat. But this is accompanied by indulging and then purging.
Atypical anorexia nervosa
Atypical anorexia nervosa is a subtype of other specified feeding or eating disorders (in other words, OSFED) in which a person’s body weight is still in the normal weight range despite having significant weight loss from their restricted energy intake.[6]
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
- Age i.e.: Eating disorders, including anorexia, are more common in adolescents and young adults, but young children and older adults can still develop anorexia.
- Gender i.e.: Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with anorexia. However, it’s important to know that men and boys can have anorexia and may be under-diagnosed due to differences in seeking treatment.
- Family history i.e.: Having a parent or sibling (first-degree relative) with an eating disorder increases your risk of developing an eating disorder, such as anorexia.
- Dieting i.e.: Dieting taken too far can develop into anorexia.
- Changes and trauma i.e.: Big changes in your life, such as going to college, starting a new job or going through a divorce, and/or trauma, such as sexual assault or physical abuse, may trigger the development of anorexia.
- Certain careers and sports i.e.: Eating disorders are especially common amongst models, gymnasts, runners, wrestlers and dancers.[4]
Pathogenesis
Pathogenesis of Anorexia Nervosa
The pathogenesis of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is complex and multifactorial, involving an interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Several books delve into the intricacies of AN’s development:
Kaplan & Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/Clinical Psychiatry (11th Edition) by Benjamin J. Sadock, Virginia A. Sadock, and Pedro Ruiz (2015) –
This comprehensive textbook discusses the biological, psychological, and social underpinnings of AN, highlighting genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter dysregulation, personality traits, family dynamics, and societal pressures as contributing factors. [11]
The Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry (2nd Edition) edited by Michael Gelder, Juan Lopez-Ibor Jr., and Nancy Andreasen (2009) –
This authoritative textbook provides a detailed exploration of AN’s etiology, including neurobiological abnormalities, cognitive distortions, emotional dysregulation, and the impact of cultural ideals on body image. [12]
Essentials of Abnormal Psychology (8th Edition) by Vincent Mark Durand and David H. Barlow (2019) –
This widely used textbook presents a clear and concise overview of AN’s pathogenesis, emphasizing the interaction of genetic vulnerability, psychological factors like perfectionism and low self-esteem, and sociocultural influences like media portrayals of thinness.[13]
Please note that these are just a few examples, and numerous other books offer valuable insights into the complex pathogenesis of Anorexia Nervosa.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology of Anorexia nervosa
Endocrine abnormalities are common in anorexia nervosa; they include i.e.
- Low levels of gonadal hormones
- Mildly reduced levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)
- Increased cortisol secretion
Menses usually cease, but cessation of menses is no longer a criterion for diagnosis. Bone density declines. In severely undernourished patients, virtually every major organ system may be affected. However, susceptibility to infections is typically not increased.
Dehydration and metabolic alkalosis may occur, and serum potassium and/or sodium may be low; all are aggravated especially by induced vomiting and laxative or diuretic use.
Cardiac muscle mass, chamber size, and output decrease; mitral valve prolapse is commonly detected. Some patients have prolonged QT intervals (even when corrected for heart rate), which, with the risks imposed by electrolyte disturbances, may predispose to tachyarrhythmias. Sudden death, most likely due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias, may occur.[5]
Clinical Features
Clinical Features of Anorexia Nervosa
The clinical features of Anorexia Nervosa (AN) are diverse and encompass physical, behavioral, and psychological manifestations. Several books provide detailed descriptions of these features:
- Restriction of energy intake: leading to significantly low body weight.
- Intense fear of gaining weight: despite being underweight.
- Disturbance in body image: misperception of body shape and size.
- Amenorrhea: absence of three consecutive menstrual cycles. [11]
- Behavioral features: restrictive eating patterns, excessive exercise, food rituals, and denial of hunger.
- Psychological features: perfectionism, obsessionality, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
- Medical complications: malnutrition, osteoporosis, cardiac abnormalities, and gastrointestinal problems. [12]
- Physical signs: emaciation, dry skin, brittle hair and nails, and low body temperature.
- Behavioral symptoms: preoccupation with food, calorie counting, avoidance of social eating situations, and secretive eating patterns.
- Psychological symptoms: distorted body image, fear of weight gain, and denial of the seriousness of low body weight. [13]
Please note that these are just a few examples, and numerous other books offer valuable insights into the clinical features of Anorexia Nervosa.
Sign & Symptoms
Sign & Symptoms of Anorexia nervosa
The main features of anorexia nervosa can be divided into four categories i.e.
1.Firstly, Core psychopathology:
- Excess concern with shape and weight
- Distorted body image
- Low self-esteem
2.Secondly, Pursuit of thinness and low weight
- Dieting
- Vomiting
- Purging
- Excessive exercise
- Food preoccupation
- Indulging
3.Thirdly, Common co-morbidities
- Low mood
- Deliberate self-harm
- Suicidal ideation
- Obsessions and compulsions
4.Lastly, Physical consequences of starvation
Physical signs relating to malnutrition i.e.
- Emaciation
- Constipation
- Dry skin also brittle nails
- Hypotension also bradycardia
- Cyanosis also hypothermia
- Lanugo
- Hypercarotenemia
- Eroded tooth enamel
- Parotid swelling
- Osteoporosis
- Renal calculi
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Amenorrhoea also infertility
- Reduced libido
Biochemical abnormalities relating to malnutrition i.e.
- Hypokalemia
- Hypophosphataemia
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Hypoglycaemia
- Hypercortisolaemia
- Either Anemia or a pancytopenia [1]
Clinical Examination
Physical Examination
Appearance of the patient
- Extreme weight loss
- Stunted growth
- Body mass index less than 17.5 in adults, or 85% of expected weight in children
Vital Signs
Temperature
- Hypothermia
Pulse Rate
- Bradycardia
Blood Pressure
- Hypotension
Skin
- Growth of lanugo hair over the body
- Dry skin
- Possibly with pallid complexion
Eyes
- Sunken eyes
Extremities
- Creaking joints and bones
- Collection of fluid in ankles during the day and around eyes during the night
- Nails become more brittle
- Tooth decay
- Very dry/chapped lips due to malnutrition
Miscellaneous Behavioral
- Excessive exercise, food restriction
- Fainting
- Secretive about eating or exercise behavior
- Possible self-harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts
- Very sensitive to references about body weight
- Become very aggressive when forced to eat "forbidden" foods[7]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Anorexia nervosa
- Body mass index (BMI) < 17.5 whereas ideal body weight (IBW) < 85 per cent of expected value.
- Generally, Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming higher weight.
- The absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles (amenorrhoea) in women who have had their first menstrual period but have not yet gone through menopause.
- Disturbance in the way in which either one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight. [1]
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
Another psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia or primary depression, may cause weight loss and reluctance to eat, but patients with these disorders do not have a distorted body image.
Rarely, an unrecognized severe physical disorder may cause substantial weight loss. Disorders to consider include malabsorption syndromes (eg, due to inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease), new-onset type 1 diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and cancer. Amphetamine abuse may cause similar symptoms.[5]
Complications
Complications of Anorexia Nervosa
- Cardiovascular: Bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmias, and in severe cases, heart failure.
- Gastrointestinal: Constipation, delayed gastric emptying, and in rare cases, superior mesenteric artery syndrome.
- Endocrine: Amenorrhea, hypothyroidism, and osteopenia/osteoporosis due to low estrogen levels.
- Hematological: Anemia and leukopenia.
- Neurological: Seizures due to electrolyte imbalances.
- Psychiatric: Depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide. [11]
- Metabolic: Electrolyte imbalances, hypoglycemia, and dehydration.
- Renal: Kidney failure due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Dermatological: Lanugo (fine body hair), dry skin, and hair loss.
- Musculoskeletal: Muscle wasting and weakness.
- Reproductive: Infertility and increased risk of miscarriage.[12]
- Osteoporosis: leading to increased risk of fractures.
- Electrolyte imbalances: can lead to seizures and cardiac arrhythmias.[13]
Investigations
Investigation
Blood Tests
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Checks for levels of albumin (a liver protein)
- Measure of electrolytes
- Kidney function tests
- Liver function tests
- Measure of total protein
- Thyroid function tests
Urinalysis
Certain metabolic functions can be measured with a urine test.
Urinalysis also looks at the color and appearance of the urine, its microscopic appearance, and its chemistry.
Other Tests and Procedures
A bone density test may be administered to check for osteoporosis.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be ordered to check for problems with the heart such as slow heart rate or abnormal heart rhythm.1
X-rays may be taken to check things like stress fractures or broken bones, lung or heart problems.[8]
Treatment
Treatment of Anorexia nervosa
- Behavior therapy
- Individual psychotherapy
- Hospitalization, with adequate nursing care for food intake and weight gain
- Drug Therapy: Antipsychotics: for instance Chlorpromazine, Olanzapine Antidepressants: fluoxetine, clomipramine, Cyproheptadine
- Group therapy and family therapy in psychological-education[2]
Prevention
Prevention
- Improving general health, nutrition and psychological wellbeing, such as self-esteem and positive body image
- Enhancing media literacy, which provides education on the media’s promotion of unrealistic standards of ‘beauty’. This enables people to critically analyse media messages, thus reducing the risk of developing an eating disorder
- Reducing teasing and bullying, including weight-based teasing[9]
Homeopathic Treatment
Homeopathic Treatment of Anorexia nervosa
Homeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines selected after a full individualizing examination and case-analysis.
which includes
- The medical history of the patient,
- Physical and mental constitution,
- Family history,
- Presenting symptoms,
- Underlying pathology,
- Possible causative factors etc.
A miasmatic tendency (predisposition/susceptibility) also often taken into account for the treatment of chronic conditions.
What Homoeopathic doctors do?
A homeopathy doctor tries to treat more than just the presenting symptoms. The focus is usually on what caused the disease condition? Why ‘this patient’ is sick ‘this way’?.
The disease diagnosis is important but in homeopathy, the cause of disease not just probed to the level of bacteria and viruses. Other factors like mental, emotional and physical stress that could predispose a person to illness also looked for. No a days, even modern medicine also considers a large number of diseases as psychosomatic. The correct homeopathy remedy tries to correct this disease predisposition.
The focus is not on curing the disease but to cure the person who is sick, to restore the health. If a disease pathology not very advanced, homeopathy remedies do give a hope for cure but even in incurable cases, the quality of life can greatly improved with homeopathic medicines.
Homeopathic Medicines for Anorexia nervosa:
The homeopathic remedies (medicines) given below indicate the therapeutic affinity but this is not a complete and definite guide to the homeopathy treatment of this condition. The symptoms listed against each homeopathic remedy may not be directly related to this disease because in homeopathy general symptoms and constitutional indications also taken into account for selecting a remedy.
Medicines for Anorexia nervosa:
Arsenicum Alb:
- Extreme fastidiousness especially about germs and dirt.
- Anorexia coupled with fear of being poisoned.
- Fear of getting certain diseases so they start starving.
Carcinosin:
- Specifically for Obsessive compulsive disorder.
- Perfectionism, fear of becoming fat, likewise fear of rejection.
- Etiology-abuse, grief or fears, often related to weight. Additionally chronic insomnia, workaholics.
Hyoscyamas:
- Anorexia plus mania, insanity, besides this fear of being poisoned.
- Could have pathological jealousy, over concern about weight also getting fat.
Ignatia:
- Especially for Perfectionism, fear of becoming fat, fear of rejection.
- Hysteria loss of control of emotions, fainting.
- Etiology-grief or big disappointment, often related to weight.
Natrum mur:
- Most often indicated remedy specifically in anorexia, a lot of guilt.
- Fear of being rejected, hurt easily, also very self-conscious.
- Dry lips, emaciate, and dry skin, constipated, lose appetite.
- Besides this, behind this is perfectionism and fear of becoming fat.
Phosphoric acid:
- Etiology-grief with loss of appetite with emaciation, pinning away from loss of love, second stage they get indifferent to all emotions and food.
- Generally, Deadness inside.
Patina met:
- Obsessed with their appearance, fear of becoming fat.
- Very obsessive and impulsive personality, egocentric and arrogant, all tied up with their sexuality, religious mania.
Pulsatilla:
- Feeling of worthlessness, unloved, loneliness, fixed ideas about.
- Food especially certain foods are bad, than amount of foods that are bad grows, fear of gaining weight, pulsatilla’s gain weight easily, Furthermore, they can eat a pastry and swear they gained weight.
- Puls are constantly weighing themselves.
- Scanty menses.
Sepia:
- Specifically indicated in Anorexia nervosa plus hormonal problems, nausea, sensitivity to smell.
- Disgust for food, worse since childbirth, hormones causes lack of appetite.
Staphysagria:
- Acute of Carcinosin, more visible, visibly upset. Additionally, Carcinosin can control it more, Staph. may it more.
- Deep sense of worthlessness and depression, even suicidal.
- Humiliation, mortified, put down, criticized, especially for zero confidence.
- Fear of becoming fat and neglected by others.
Tarentula:
- Mania could be religious mania.
- Underneath you have a fear of being poisoned.
- Obsessiveness about weight, very restless also hyper energy people, they do everything fast-talk, move.
Thuja occid:
- Fear of being impure, dirty blood, anxiety about health, obsessed with idea of have to clean them out.
- Moreover, Fear of eating more and becoming fat.
Veratrum Alb:
- Religious mania, loquacious, end of world is coming.
- Punish themselves, fast to appease god. Behind this you see guilt. [2]
Diet & Regimen
Nutritional management of Anorexia nervosa
For an anorexic sufferer, gaining weight is an incredibly delicate process. The long periods of starvation could have caused any number of biochemical abnormalities such as deficiencies in proteins, micronutrients and fatty acids.
This usually means that specialist dietary plans must be made in order to correct the imbalances and not cause additional problems. Experts believe that weight should not be gained until these deficiencies have been corrected. Aggressive attempts to boost weight gain during the early stages of treatment could be extremely hazardous.[10]
Do's & Don'ts
The Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s:
- Educate yourself: Learn about anorexia nervosa, its symptoms, and available treatments. This will help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to best support them.
- Express your concern: Let your loved one know that you are worried about them and their health. Be specific about your concerns and avoid judgmental language.
- Listen actively: Provide a safe space for your loved one to share their feelings and experiences. Listen without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.
- Validate their feelings: Acknowledge their struggles and let them know that you understand how difficult this is for them. Avoid dismissing their concerns or minimizing their pain.
- Offer unconditional support: Let your loved one know that you love and care for them, regardless of their weight or eating habits. Reassure them that you will be there for them throughout their recovery journey.
- Encourage professional help: Gently encourage your loved one to seek professional help from a qualified healthcare provider specializing in eating disorders. Offer to help them find a therapist or treatment program.
- Focus on the person, not the disorder: Remember that your loved one is more than their eating disorder. Focus on their strengths, interests, and personality traits.
- Be patient and understanding: Recovery from anorexia nervosa takes time and effort. Be patient with your loved one and understand that there will be setbacks along the way.
- Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with anorexia nervosa can be emotionally draining. Make sure to prioritize your own well-being and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed.
Don’ts:
- Don’t blame or shame: Avoid blaming your loved one for their eating disorder or making them feel ashamed of their behavior. This will only make them feel worse and hinder their recovery.
- Don’t force them to eat: Trying to force your loved one to eat or guilt them into eating will likely backfire and increase their resistance. Instead, focus on creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
- Don’t make comments about their weight or appearance: Avoid making any comments about your loved one’s weight, body shape, or appearance, even if you think they are positive. These comments can be triggering and reinforce their distorted body image.
- Don’t give unsolicited advice: Avoid offering unsolicited advice or trying to "fix" their eating disorder. Instead, encourage them to seek professional help and trust the guidance of their healthcare provider.
- Don’t compare them to others: Avoid comparing your loved one to other people, even if you think it is meant to be encouraging. Comparisons can be hurtful and reinforce their feelings of inadequacy.
- Don’t give up: Recovery from anorexia nervosa is possible. Don’t give up on your loved one, even if the process is slow and challenging. Continue to offer your love and support throughout their journey.
Terminology
Terminology
- Anorexia Nervosa: A psychiatric disorder characterized by self-starvation, distorted body image, and intense fear of gaining weight.
- Restrictive Eating Disorder: A broader category encompassing Anorexia Nervosa and other conditions where individuals restrict food intake.
- Self-starvation: The act of intentionally restricting food intake to a dangerously low level.
- Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation, a common symptom in Anorexia Nervosa.
- Purging: Engaging in behaviors like vomiting or laxative use to compensate for food intake.
- Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: A subtype of OSFED where individuals exhibit Anorexia Nervosa behaviors but maintain normal weight.
- Comorbidities: The presence of additional mental health conditions alongside Anorexia Nervosa, such as depression or anxiety.
References
References use for Article anorexia nervosa
- Psychiatry, Fourth Edition – Oxford Medical Publications
- Ahuja – A Short Textbook of Psychiatry, 7th Edition
- Full Book Homeopathy in Treatment of Psychological Disorders by Shilpa Harwani
- https://www.healthline.com/health/eating-disorders-causes-risk-factors#risk-factorshttps:// www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/articles/anorexia-nervosa.html#treatinganorexia
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/professional/psychiatric-disorders/ eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa#v1027605
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anorexia-nervosa
- https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/ Anorexia_nervosa_physical_examination
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/anorexia-diagnosis-5181747
- https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorders/prevention/ treatment-2/primary-prevention/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/ diseases/9794-anorexia-nervosa
- Kaplan & Sadock’s Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/Clinical Psychiatry (11th Edition) by Benjamin J. Sadock, Virginia A. Sadock, and Pedro Ruiz (2015)
- The Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry (2nd Edition) edited by Michael Gelder, Juan Lopez-Ibor Jr., and Nancy Andreasen (2009)
- Essentials of Abnormal Psychology (8th Edition) by Vincent Mark Durand and David H. Barlow (2019)
- Anorexia nervosa in Indian adolescents: a report of two cases (Malhotra et al., 2014)
- (PDF) Eating Disorders: An Overview of Indian Research (Chaudhary et al., 2019)
Also Search As
Anorexia Nervosa Also Search As
Possible Search Queries:
- "Anorexia Nervosa"
- "Symptoms of Anorexia"
- "Causes of Anorexia"
- "Eating Disorder"
- "Anorexia Treatment"
- "Homeopathic Treatment for Anorexia"
- "Anorexia Nervosa in India"
- "Eating Disorders in Adolescents"
Additionally, they can utilize specific terms mentioned in the article:
- "Restrictive eating disorder"
- "Self-starvation"
- "Purging"
- "Atypical anorexia nervosa"
- "Lanugo"
- "Amenorrhea"
Using a combination of these keywords and phrases will increase the likelihood of finding this comprehensive article on search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo.
Additionally, since this article focuses on homeopathic treatment, people specifically interested in this aspect can use search terms like:- "Homeopathic remedies for Anorexia Nervosa"
- "Homeopathy for eating disorders"
- "Arsenicum album for Anorexia" (or any other specific homeopathic remedy mentioned in the article)
To further enhance searchability, the article could include relevant keywords in its title, meta description, and throughout the content. It could also be shared on social media platforms and relevant forums to reach a wider audience.
People can search for this article on Anorexia Nervosa using various methods:
Specific Keywords:
- Primary Keywords: "Anorexia Nervosa," "eating disorder"
- Related Keywords: "Anorexia symptoms," "Anorexia causes," "Anorexia treatment," "eating disorders in India," "homeopathy for anorexia"
- Medical Terms: "restrictive eating disorder," "self-starvation," "purging," "amenorrhea," "lanugo"
Long-Tail Keywords:
- "How is anorexia nervosa diagnosed?"
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- "Homeopathic remedies for anorexia nervosa"
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Questions:
- "What is the difference between anorexia and anorexia nervosa?"
- "What are the risk factors for developing anorexia nervosa?"
- "How does a homeopathic doctor treat anorexia nervosa?"
Using the "Also Search As" Section:
- The article provides a list of related search terms, such as "Symptoms of Anorexia," "Causes of Anorexia," etc. Utilizing these suggestions can lead to relevant searches.
Navigating through the Article’s Sections:
- Readers can directly access specific sections of the article through the table of contents, like "Clinical Features," "Diagnosis," "Treatment," etc.
Utilizing the FAQ Section:
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By employing a combination of these search methods, readers can efficiently find the information they need within this comprehensive article on Anorexia Nervosa.
- Symptoms of Anorexia
- Causes of Anorexia
- Eating Disorder
- Anorexia Treatment
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- Anorexia Nervosa in India
- Eating Disorders in Adolescents
- Restrictive eating disorder
- Self-starvation
- Purging
- Atypical anorexia nervosa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a clinical syndrome characterized by low body weight, amenorrhoea, distorted body image, also an intense fear of gaining weight.
What are the causes of Anorexia Nervosa?
- Cerebral abnormality
- Genetics
- Serotonin dysregulation
- Occasionally, Zinc deficiency
- Childhood upbringing
- Childhood sexual abuse
- Adverse events in early life and home environment
- Occupation
- Societal pressures
Is Anorexia Nervosa more common in certain populations?
Anorexia Nervosa is more prevalent in females than males, with the average age of onset being between 15-17 years for females and 12-13 years for males. However, it can affect individuals of any age, gender, or background.
What are the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa?
- Excess concern with shape and weight
- Distorted body image
- Low self-esteem
- Dieting, Vomiting, Purging
- Excessive exercise
- wallowing
- Low mood
- Deliberate self-harm
What are the complications of Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia Nervosa can lead to severe complications like heart problems, osteoporosis, organ failure, infertility, and even death. Early intervention and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications.
Can homeopathic remedies help with Anorexia Nervosa?
While some homeopathic remedies may be suggested as supportive measures, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Homeopathy should not replace conventional medical treatment for Anorexia Nervosa.
What are the treatment options for Anorexia Nervosa?
Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), nutritional counseling, medical monitoring, and sometimes medication. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
What are the benefits of using homeopathy for Anorexia Nervosa?
Homeopathy offers a holistic approach, focusing on the individual’s overall well-being rather than just suppressing symptoms. It may help address the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to Anorexia Nervosa, potentially leading to long-term improvement.
How does a homeopathic doctor approach the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa?
Homeopathic doctors consider the individual’s medical history, physical and mental constitution, family history, presenting symptoms, underlying pathology, and potential causative factors. They aim to address the root cause of the disorder and stimulate the body’s self-healing abilities.
Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Anorexia Nervosa?
Homoeopathic Medicine for Anorexia Nervosa
- Arsenicum Alb
- Carcinosin
- Hyoscyamas
- Ignatia
- Natrum mur
- Phosphoric acid
- Patina met
- Pulsatilla
