Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, often simply referred to as anorexia, is a behavioral and life-threatening psychological eating disorder. It is characterized by self-starvation, weight loss, distorted perception of weight, and unrealistic or exaggerated fear of body image. In simple terms, it is a condition where people obsess about their weight and diet.

Anorexic people often initially begin dieting to manage their weight. But over time, the restrictions in their calorie intake and diet become a psychological obsession, leading them to the point of starvation and extreme weight loss. The exact causes of anorexia nervosa are not understood. However, several factors are believed to contribute to anorexia. These include environmental stress, external compulsion, prenatal and perinatal complications, physiological factors, neurochemical changes, hormonal changes, and genetic or hereditary factors.

Anorexia nervosa, if left untreated, may cause dangerous health conditions including fatigue, low blood pressure, water-electrolyte imbalance, and may even have fatal consequences, among others. Medical intervention and psychological consultation are therefore crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment of the condition.