In fact, alarmingly little is known about this mental health disorder; the mental health disorder with the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorders [1]. Because anorexia is often coupled with unhealthy perceptions, thoughts, and self-controlled behaviors, one of the most common treatment options is therapy. While anorexia itself is not commonly treated with medication, it is common that other conditions such as depression or anxiety occur alongside anorexia and medication may be needed to treat them. By this time, their weight can be dangerously low. In order to be diagnosed with anorexia these criteria must be present . Anorexia nervosa is a commonly misunderstood illness, and its high fatality rate is often overlooked. This is a heartbreaking form of self-starvation. Around 1 in 10 cases are fatal.
I had been suffering since my teens but a lack of early diagnosis meant I struggled for many years. Anorexia is a complex mental disorder where severe emotional distress is expressed via disordered behaviour involving food restriction. Basically, someone suffering with anorexia has a preoccupation with their weight and shape such that they believe they are overweight, have a desire to lose weight and will go to extreme lengths to lose weight even when extremely malnourished. The avoidance of food may include skipping meals or removing certain foods or food groups from their diet. When extremely unwell a sufferer will refuse food altogether or may even refuse water believing it will cause them to put on weight. It is the belief of the sufferer that if they control their food and fluid intake and thus their weight and shape that they will be able to control other aspects of their life which feel out of control. Unfortunately, once anorexia takes hold, the beliefs and behaviours become compulsive and rather than being a solution, become a problem in themselves. While it is a mental disorder, the impact is devastating physically, psychologically and socially.
About what to anorexia know
People affected by eating disorders are dying, every single day. Remember that recovery takes time, so be patient with yourself and your loved one. Some will die without ever seeking treatment. Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and recovery Complications Living with anorexia nervosa Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychological condition and a potentially life-threatening eating disorder. A study found that people with anorexia nervosa are less able to differentiate between different types of positive emotion.