Around one percent of the population is believed to suffer from anorexia, and it causes devastation to their lives and the lives of those around them. Sadly, it has one of the highest death rates of any mental disorder as it is incredibly difficult to successfully treat.
Anorexia goes far beyond a normal desire to be thin, they have a very distorted perception of their weight. Even when their body mass becomes dangerously low it is impossible for them to look in the mirror and see themselves as anything other than fat. Anorexia completely takes over the sufferers life and everything starts to revolve around losing weight. This will predominantly be restricting calorie intake to an excessive degree, but they may also take laxatives. A person with this disorder may also exercise to extremes which is particularly dangerous in light of the fact they are not receiving sufficient nutrients and protein to function normally.
Over time, the lack of food starts to have serious effects on the body. Menstruation will stop, they will struggle to concentrate, downy hair grows over the body and bones become brittle. As the sufferer effectively starves themselves the heart is unable to function correctly and in extreme case of anorexia will eventually fail.
There is a strong correlation between certain personality traits and the likelihood of developing an eating disorder such as anorexia. Sufferers are usually intelligent, high flying achievers with a tendency towards being obsessed with perfectionism or routine. They are usually very introverted and may come from a family environment which is supportive of academic achievement but perhaps falls short when discussing emotional problems.
Combined with any traumatic life events such as a bereavement, stress such as imminent exams or personal problems such as being bullied, the person is at greater risk of developing anorexia. Because of the complex emotional issues involved when treating anorexia it is best to tackle it in the early stages, to make a good recovery more likely.
Autor: Leanne Williams
Leanne Williams is very interested in writing articles about health, but also writes about children's products. More recent articles include buying a kids digital camera and the specifications of different brands of childrens digital camera.
Added: December 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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