Anorexia

Causes

The cause is not known. It appears to be a mix of genes and the environment.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in young women. Other things that may raise the risk are:

• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of helplessness
• Wanting to be perfect
• Fear of gaining weight
• Pressure to be thin
• Having other family members with this problem
• Stress
• Having other mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety
• A way of life that highlights being thin as ideal

Symptoms

Physical symptoms may include:

• Losing too much weight
• Hair loss or growth of fine hair on the body
• Yellow or dry skin
• Loss of monthly periods in women
• Fainting or light-headedness
• Problems passing stool
• Rapid heartbeat
• Cold hands and feet

Mental and behavioral issues may include:

• An obsession with food and how much fat and calories are in it
• Dieting even when thin
• A fear of gaining weight even when a person is underweight
• Seeing oneself as overweight when one is not
• Excess exercising
• Being secretive about food
• Mood swings
• Lack of interest in sex

Body Dysmorphia

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to make the diagnosis.

A mental health exam may also be done. Other tests may be:

• Blood tests
• ECG to check heart function
• Bone density tests

Treatment

The goal is to return to and stay at a healthy weight. Choices are:

• Nutrition counseling
• Counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy
• Medicines, such as:
  • Antidepressants to balance chemicals in the brain
  • Vitamins and minerals to boost nutrition
  • Hormone replacement therapy for women

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem.