Signs And Symptoms Of Anorexia

Anorexia nervosa is a disorder, characterized by withdrawal from food and society.



In course of time, binge eating becomes habitual. No respect for the self is seen. Anorexia is a common eating problem encountered by adolescents. Anorexia involves sociological, neurological, psychological and physiological aspects. It is a complex disorder which exhibits different symptoms in different individuals and they refuse to eat with the family.





Starvation in anorexia is associated with ventricle enlargement of the brain. Decreased flow of blood to the temporal lobes is seen to occur. Clinical depression is common. They avoid eating heavy full meals and restrain from eating publicly. They have a reduced appetite.



Behavioral changes include suicidal tendencies and depression. Frequent weighing to ensure reduced weight is seen.

Symptoms of anorexia include use of condiments, guilt feeling, postponement of meals, denial of hunger, establishing hard and fast rules related to food, reduction of food quantity and being deceptive about eating. Psychological symptoms includes apprehension about appearance and physique, dissatisfaction regarding the figure or negative body image, misconception about image, low self-respect, yearning for self change, pangs of depression, classifying foods as good and bad foods, exhibiting moodiness and depression, sensitive to criticism, not being flexible, depressive outlook and extremities in thinking. Social withdrawal, failing to attend social functions is common.

Anorexia is an eating disorder and other symptoms include over exercising, repeated weighing, staying isolated, wearing loose clothes to hide the figure, intolerant to others, restraining from revealing illness and withdrawal from social gatherings. Hair loss, white body hair, yellowish palms, dry and pale skin, bloated stomach, weight loss and amenorrhea are also seen. They are mostly underweight. Starvation results in a series of complications. Tryptophan and steroid hormone metabolism is reduced due to starvation, thereby decreasing the serotonin levels.

Constipation and discomfort in the abdomen is common, due to dieting. Organ damage, as a result of changes in enzyme configuration happens. Elimination process is disrupted due to the improper use of laxatives. Hypotension and bradycardia occurs. Renal function is profoundly inhibited by anorexia. Menstrual irregularities are seen, resulting in infertility. Liver functioning is not impaired.



Bone density in women is affected. Starvation also hinders with the functioning of the heart. Anorexia diet tips can go a long way for treating anorexia.

Food absorption pace is affected. The chemical processes of life are also hindered. Laxative abuse results in a weak electrolyte balance. Anemia is a common symptom and lack of immunity, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections occurs. They are irritable and fail to interact. Lack of sleep leading to fatigue, malnutrition, brittle nails, erosion of dental enamel, lack of concentration are few more to contribute.