Eating Disorders Warning Signs

Source

Contents

Forums

Related Articles

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is an emotional disorder characterized by severe weight loss (or failure to gain weight in young people). Laymen may see it as "dieting gone wild." Individuals with anorexia nervosa have an intense fear of becoming obese, even as weight loss progresses.

Anorexia Nervosa is a "weight loss" method. Weight loss is achieved through a variety of methods including severe caloric restriction, fasting, relentless exercising, use of over-the-counter and prescription diet aids, diuretic and laxative use, and in some cases, self-induced vomiting. Most individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa strongly deny the disorder. They often "feel fat" even when emaciated. Anorexics experience a sense of control by restricting food intake and often turn away from food in an attempt to cope with life's stresses.

Studies suggest 1 in 250 young women may be suffering from anorexia nervosa. Approximately 90 percent of the persons suffering from this eating disorders are women. Age of onset varies, though symptoms of anorexia nervosa usually appears in early-to-middle adolescence.

Eating Disorders Warning Signs

• Abnormal weight loss of 25% of more with no know medical illness accounting for the loss.
  
• Reduction in food intake, denial of hunger and decrease in consumption of high carbohydrate and fat-containing foods.
  
• Prolonged exercising despite fatigue and weakness.
  
• Intense fear of gaining weight.
  
• Peculiar patterns of handling food.
  
• Amenorrhea in women.
  
• Some exhibit bulimic episodes of binge-eating followed by vomiting and/or laxative and diuretic abuse.
  

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is an emotional disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by some form of purging or restriction. Binges are the secretive, rapid consumption of high-caloric foods over a discrete period of time. Most bulimics follow the binge by self-induced vomiting. However, "purging" may take the form of laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, or strenuous exercising. This binge-purge cycle is normally accompanied by self- deprecating thoughts, depressed mood, and an awareness that the eating behavior is abnormal and out of control.

Bulimia is a method of "weight control" rather than "weight loss." Most individuals suffering from this disorder are frequent dieters but remain within a normal weight range. Food takes on a symbolic meaning for the bulimia, and the binge-purge cycle may be an outlet for feelings of frustration, disappointment, anger, loneliness, and boredom. Bulimics turn to food in an attempt to cope with life stresses. Bulimia may be accompanied by other impulsive behaviors such as shoplifting and/or alcohol and drug abuse.

Most individuals with this disorder are women, though bulimia has been diagnosed in men. Researchers estimate that as many as 20-30% of college-age women may display bulimic behaviors. Bulimia tends to develop in late adolescence and early adulthood. Bulimics may have been previously anorexic or display symptoms of anorexia nervosa simultaneously.

Eating Disorders Warning Signs

• Exhibit concern about their weight and make attempts to control weight by diet, vomiting or laxative and diuretic abuse.
  
• Eating pattern may alternate between binges and fasts
  
• Most are secretive about binges and vomiting
  
• Food consumed during a binge has a high caloric content
  
• Majority of individuals are within a normal weight some may be slightly underweight or overweight
  
• Depressive moods and self-deprecating thoughts following a binge
  

Some Physical Problems Associated With Eating Disorders

• Cessation of menstruation
  
• Chronic kidney problems
  
• Irregular heart rhythms
  
• Irritation and tears in the esophagus
  
• Parotid gland swelling (under jawline)
  
• Erosion of tooth enamel and increased cavities
  
• Electrolyte imbalance
  
• Low potassium
  
• Lightheadedness and dizziness or fainting
  
• Sensitivity to cold
  
• Dry skin and thinning scalp hair
  
• Stomach and intestinal problems
  
• Growth of lanugo (fine hair on body surface)
  
• Mortality rate is 5-15% (lower with treatment)
  

How To Help The Person With An Eating Disorder

If you are close to someone who you suspect has an eating disorder:

• Collect information. Find treatment resources, such as your local Mental Health Association or school system. Get help from support personnel.
  
• In a caring and nonjudgmental way, tell the person what you have observed (anorexic or bulimic behavior) and suggest they seek appropriate physical and psychological assessment
  
• If the person is a minor, discuss your observations with their parents (check your community's laws and regulations).
  
• If the individual and/or the parents deny there is a problem, consult with supervisors, treatment resources, children's services, or National Eating Disorders Association for what to do next.
  
• As the person begins treatment, be natural and caring, but do not discuss eating, weight, or appearance. Do not insist that the person eat or change attitudes.