Anorexia Nervosa
Doctor123.org
Anorexia Nervosa
Think they are fat, even when they are underweightDont understand that their low body weight can cause serious medical problemsFeel good about themselves when they lose weight and bad when they gain weight It is also common for people with anorexia nervosa to: пїЅ пїЅ
Anorexia nervosa is more common in women than men. It usually begins in the teenage or early adult years. пїЅ пїЅ
People with anorexia nervosa often hide how thin they are or deny that they have a problem. They often don't want treatment, because they don't want to gain weight. But it's important for people to get treatment, because people can die from anorexia nervosa. пїЅ пїЅ
Is there a test for anorexia nervosa? " пїЅ No. There is no test. But your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have it by talking with you, measuring your height and weight, and doing an exam. пїЅ пїЅ
Your doctor or nurse will do tests to check your health, because anorexia nervosa can lead to many health problems. You will probably have: пїЅ пїЅ
What problems can anorexia nervosa cause? " пїЅ Anorexia nervosa can cause many problems. That's because the body and brain don't get the nutrition they need. Anorexia nervosa can cause: пїЅ пїЅ
Medicines are not usually used to treat anorexia nervosa. пїЅ пїЅ
Some people can be treated at home, but others need to be treated in the hospital. It depends on the person's weight, symptoms, and health problems. Treatment for anorexia nervosa can be hard work, and it can take a long time. A complete recovery can take years. пїЅ пїЅ
What happens after treatment? " пїЅ Many people get better with treatment. But people with anorexia nervosa often "relapse. " пїЅ This is when their symptoms return and they lose weight again. пїЅ пїЅ
To help prevent a relapse, you can follow your treatment plan and keep seeing your therapist. If you start to have symptoms again, let your family or doctor know as soon as possible so that you can get help. пїЅ пїЅ
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 пїЅ пїЅ
пїЅ пїЅ 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
- Spend a lot of time thinking about food, meals, and calories
- Create rules around food and eating
- Skip meals and avoid eating in public
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- An ECG " пїЅ An ECG measures the electrical activity in your heart and records your heart rate and rhythm (figure 1).
- Problems with the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, and glands
- Bone loss and muscle weakness
- Bloating and trouble having bowel movements
- Thinning hair and nails that break easily
- Feeling cold all the time or tired a lot
- Depression " пїЅ This is when people feel very sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time, or do not enjoy the things that usually make them happy. In addition, people can have trouble with their sleep, appetite, energy, memory, or concentration. Some depressed people think about hurting themselves. If you are thinking of hurting yourself, call your doctor or nurse right away or go to the hospital.
- Anxiety " пїЅ This is when people worry a lot or think about certain things over and over.
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Problems with memory, thinking, or paying attention
- Trouble sleeping
- Gaining weight " пїЅ You will work with your doctor and a dietitian (food expert) to gain weight. The dietitian will make meal plans that can help you gain weight safely and slowly. The doctor will follow your weight and health closely.
- Talk therapy " пїЅ Talk therapy involves meeting with a therapist to talk about your feelings, thoughts, and life. Different kinds of talk therapy can be helpful, including:Working one-on-one with a therapistFamily therapy " пїЅ Your family can work with a therapist.Group therapy " пїЅ You can join a group for people with eating disorders.
- Working one-on-one with a therapist
- Family therapy " пїЅ Your family can work with a therapist.
- Group therapy " пїЅ You can join a group for people with eating disorders.
Person having an ECG
This drawing shows a man having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). He has patches, called "electrodes," stuck onto his chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Graphic 53145 Version 2.0
Person having an ECG
This drawing shows a man having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). He has patches, called "electrodes," stuck onto his chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Graphic 53145 Version 2.0