Anorexia nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by severe weight loss and altered self-image that leads sufferers to believe they are fat when they are, in fact, dangerously underweight. Anorexia nervosa most often affects teenage girls and young women, but the incidence in young men is rising. The causes of anorexia are unclear, but the condition may be linked to a lack of self-worth that leads to excessive concern over physical appearance. Normal dieting may develop into starvation. In the early stages, sufferers may be overactive and exercise excessively. They are obsessed with food, and often make complicated meals for their families, but are reluctant to eat socially and manage to avoid eating the meals themselves. As weight loss continues, they become tired and weak, the skin becomes dry, lanugo hair (fine, downy hair) grows on the body, and normal hair becomes thinner. Starvation leads to amenorrhoea in many women. Some anorexics sometimes make themselves vomit or take laxative drugs or diuretic drugs to promote weight loss (see bulimia). Chemical imbalances as a result of starvation with or without vomiting can cause potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Hospital treatment is often necessary and is usually based on a closely controlled feeding programme, combined with psychotherapy or family therapy. For some people, antidepressant drugs may be helpful. Many sufferers relapse after treatment, and long-term psychotherapy is required.