Anorexia nervosa is a complicated and serious psychological disorder.

A person with this disorder tends to have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming overweight, which leads to restrictive behaviors, such as refusing to eat or severely limiting food intake.

It is important to understand the behavioral signals of nervous anorexia to be able to identify the disorder, and prevent it from progressing.

Signs and Symptoms of Nervous Anorexia

The following are behavioral signals of nervous anorexia:.

1. Preoccupation with Food and Calorie Counting

An individual with nervous anorexia may be obsessed with food and may spend a lot of time thinking about it, despite not eating enough.

They may also obsessively count the calories, avoid high-calorie foods, and create strict food plans or diets that involve consuming limited amounts of food.

2. Changes in Eating Habits

An individual with nervous anorexia may make certain changes in their eating habits such as:.

Skipping meals frequently
Consuming fewer calories than typical
Avoiding certain food groups, such as carbohydrates or fats
Eating small portions of food

3. Excessive Exercise

People with nervous anorexia often have a compulsive desire to exercise excessively, over-exercise through stringent or unrealistic training regimens, or exercise even when injured or sick.

4. Social Withdrawal

People with nervous anorexia may become socially withdrawn, consistently cancel social activities that involve food, and refrain from events like family meals and celebrations that revolve around eating.

5. Physical Signs

Along with behavioral changes, physical signs of nervous anorexia include:.

Drastic weight loss
Irregular periods in women
Dry skin and brittle nails
Illness and fatigue

Causes of Nervous Anorexia

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of nervous anorexia:.

1. Genetics

Anorexia nervosa tends to run in families, suggesting that there may be certain inherited traits that increase the risk of the disorder.

2. Biology

Some research suggests that there may be alterations in brain chemistry, particularly in neurotransmitters that regulate hunger, mood, and anxiety, that can contribute to the development of nervous anorexia.

3. Psychological Factors

Individuals who face negative body images and self-identity can be at risk of developing nervous anorexia. Social factors like stress, depression, and anxiety can also play a role.

Treatment for Nervous Anorexia

Treating nervous anorexia may involve a combination of medical, psychological, and nutritional interventions. It is essential to work with a doctor or registered dietitian who specializes in eating disorders.

1. Medical Treatment

A medical treatment plan is exercised maintaining in mind a person’s medical predicament and needs. Medical treatment may involve hospitalization, ingestion of food through tubes, or the use of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications.

2. Nutritional Therapy

Increasing food intake and implementing a well-planned diet, including all the essential nutrients, is a crucial element in treating nervous anorexia.

A registered dietitian will help create an effective diet program that helps supervise weight gain and prevent relapse.

3. Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is an essential component of treating nervous anorexia. In individual therapy sessions, people struggling with anorexia may address underlying emotional issues, express negative thoughts, and deal with body image issues.

Modalities include Cognitive behavioral therapy and Family-based therapy.

Conclusion

Nervous anorexia is a severe mental and medical disorder that can cause severe harm to a person’s physical and mental health.

Identifying the behavioral signals of nervous anorexia is crucial to seek professional help to prevent the eating disorder from progressing. A comprehensive treatment plan may involve a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions to overcome anorexia.