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Understanding the Treatments for Anorexia

According to the world renowned Mayo Clinic the definition of Anorexia Nervosa (Anorexia) is: “an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and the food they eat” (Mayo Definition). Anorexia can cause unrealistic expectations of body type and a distorted view of body image, causing Anorexia suffers to starve themselves trying to reach a ‘perfection’ that does not exist. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, understanding the treatments for Anorexia may just save a life. Begin by looking for signs and symptoms. Once those have been identified, share your concerns with someone you trust, next seek treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

Anorexia and Food – Food often becomes a love/hate object if you are suffering with Anorexia. Initially you may begin eating smaller and smaller portions. Soon however someone suffering with Anorexia will begin to hate food and perceive it as an enemy.
Anorexia and Body Dysmorphia– Body Dysmorphia is a skewed reality of body image. For most people suffering from Anorexia, this is a driving force for continued starvation as you try to create a body type that is impossible to achieve.
Anorexia and Purging – In an attempt to create the dysmorphic image created by someone suffering with Anorexia, purging will become habitual. This includes chronic use of laxative and diuretics, throwing up, and compulsive exercising.

These are outlined signs and symptoms. You should seek and understand the treatments for Anorexia if you feel may have any or all of these symptoms.

Share Your Concerns with Someone You Trust

Nutritional counseling helps people understand what their bodies need to thrive, and what the effects of anorexia are.

Anorexia is a disease of shame. It is hidden most often with bulky clothing and excuses to ‘get healthy’. This makes it very difficult to share. You may feel that no will understand, or they will make light of it. Finding someone you trust is the key to opening up and letting the secret out. If you feel you cannot tell a parent, spouse, or sibling, try your family physician. Your doctor is a safe place because they are concerned about your health. They will recognize the symptoms and can bring together the people who will help you overcome your disease.

Understanding the Treatments for Anorexia

Treatments for Anorexia are similar in mental health settings. It is important to find the provider that you feel most comfortable with

According to the National Institute of Health treating anorexia nervosa involves three components (Treatment):

Restoring the person to a healthy weight
Treating the psychological issues related to the eating disorder
Reducing or eliminating behaviors or thoughts that lead to insufficient eating and preventing relapse.

Anorexia is a psychological disease that causes distorted body image, a need to control bodily functions, while creating feelings of shame and secrecy. Recognizing signs and symptoms and sharing your concerns with someone you trust are two steps towards recovery. Understanding the treatments for Anorexia and finding a program that provides treatment that works for you can help you gain a healthy perspective of your life choices.

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