Anorexia Facts

Anorexia is a type of eating disorder that often affects young women and those in their late teens. The individual eats only enough to sustain themselves and sometimes stops eating completely. Treatment for this condition relies on treating the thoughts and feelings of the person.

Symptoms

Symptoms of anorexia include physically making themselves sick after eating and using extreme measures to lose weight. They'll also feel fat or overweight even when they're dangerously underweight.

Recovery Rate

The recovery rate for anorexia is around 40 percent. About 30 percent of those who do recover will still experience problems in the future or relapse.

Causes

There is no one cause of anorexia, but depression and stress can cause symptoms to appear. Other causes include family abuse, sexual abuse and a family history of anorexia.

Warning Signs

Warnings signs of anorexia include not eating in front of others, lethargic feelings and forgetfulness. Other signs include depression and a lack of interest in daily activities.

Treatment

The treatment of anorexia involves hospitalization to replenish the body with vitamins and fluids. Therapy is another important step because it teaches the patient to change their thinking patterns about their body.

References

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Anorexia Facts