Introduction
Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychological disorder that involves extreme desire to lose weight by self-starvation. Anorexia is a life threatening eating disorder associated with an intense fear of gaining weight, and over obsessive tendencies. If allowed to continue, Anorexia nervosa can easily lead to severe physical problems. A review of nearly fifty years of research confirms that anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder (Arcelus, Mitchel, Wales & Nelson, 2011). Although anorexia is prevalent in adolescent girls it does not exclude anyone no matter the sex or race of the individual. Today, more than ever, adolescents are prone to concerns about their weight, shape, size and body image, and …show more content…
Many medial experts agree that various factors work together to lead to the eating disorder. Genetics is one of the many factors that are associated with anorexia nervosa. Researchers have found that anorexia tends to run in families (Klump KL, Gobrogge KL 2005). Biochemistry is another factor in patients with anorexia nervosa. Individuals with eating disorders may have abnormal levels of chemicals that regulate processes such as their appetite, mood, sleep and stress. Some research also suggests that individuals with anorexia have too much serotonin, which keeps them in a constant state of stress (Heils A, Teufel A, Petri S, Stober G, Riederer P, Bengel D, et al. 1996). Psychology is another factor in people with anorexia nervosa. Various psychological factors can contribute to anorexia. Actually eating disorders are common in individuals who struggle with clinical depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Godart NT, Perdereau F, Rein Z, Berthoz S, Wallier J, Jeammet P, et al. 2007). Other psychological issues are low self-esteem, perfectionism, feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Another factor of anorexia nervosa is culture. Dieting, wanting to be thin, and body displeasure are all culture factors of anorexia. The medias focus on dieting and striving for a slim and toned silhouette. Our culture has made it to where it’s impossible to go anywhere without …show more content…
Learning the about the mortality rate of anorexia nervosa made me realize how much of a struggle the disorder can be for someone fighting it. Researching the treatment for anorexia gave me the knowledge to get help for those I care about if I think they may be struggling with anorexia. I was not aware of how much damage anorexia can do to your body until I researched about the signs of anorexia. The information I learned about the signs and symptoms will help me recognize this disorder in patients when I become a nurse. If someone I knew were diagnosed with anorexia I would know now to be patient and understating of their feelings. If I notice someone I am friends with showing signs of anorexia nervosa I would urge them to immediately talk to a professional about going to treatment. If they refuse to get help I would try to set up an intervention with their close family members to show them they will have support to get the help they so deeply need. I know this disorder is deadly and I would like to bring awareness to the consequences of this
Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychological disorder that involves extreme desire to lose weight by self-starvation. Anorexia is a life threatening eating disorder associated with an intense fear of gaining weight, and over obsessive tendencies. If allowed to continue, Anorexia nervosa can easily lead to severe physical problems. A review of nearly fifty years of research confirms that anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder (Arcelus, Mitchel, Wales & Nelson, 2011). Although anorexia is prevalent in adolescent girls it does not exclude anyone no matter the sex or race of the individual. Today, more than ever, adolescents are prone to concerns about their weight, shape, size and body image, and …show more content…
Many medial experts agree that various factors work together to lead to the eating disorder. Genetics is one of the many factors that are associated with anorexia nervosa. Researchers have found that anorexia tends to run in families (Klump KL, Gobrogge KL 2005). Biochemistry is another factor in patients with anorexia nervosa. Individuals with eating disorders may have abnormal levels of chemicals that regulate processes such as their appetite, mood, sleep and stress. Some research also suggests that individuals with anorexia have too much serotonin, which keeps them in a constant state of stress (Heils A, Teufel A, Petri S, Stober G, Riederer P, Bengel D, et al. 1996). Psychology is another factor in people with anorexia nervosa. Various psychological factors can contribute to anorexia. Actually eating disorders are common in individuals who struggle with clinical depression, anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (Godart NT, Perdereau F, Rein Z, Berthoz S, Wallier J, Jeammet P, et al. 2007). Other psychological issues are low self-esteem, perfectionism, feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Another factor of anorexia nervosa is culture. Dieting, wanting to be thin, and body displeasure are all culture factors of anorexia. The medias focus on dieting and striving for a slim and toned silhouette. Our culture has made it to where it’s impossible to go anywhere without …show more content…
Learning the about the mortality rate of anorexia nervosa made me realize how much of a struggle the disorder can be for someone fighting it. Researching the treatment for anorexia gave me the knowledge to get help for those I care about if I think they may be struggling with anorexia. I was not aware of how much damage anorexia can do to your body until I researched about the signs of anorexia. The information I learned about the signs and symptoms will help me recognize this disorder in patients when I become a nurse. If someone I knew were diagnosed with anorexia I would know now to be patient and understating of their feelings. If I notice someone I am friends with showing signs of anorexia nervosa I would urge them to immediately talk to a professional about going to treatment. If they refuse to get help I would try to set up an intervention with their close family members to show them they will have support to get the help they so deeply need. I know this disorder is deadly and I would like to bring awareness to the consequences of this