Anorexia Nervosa (cont.)
What are anorexia symptoms and signs (psychological and behavioral)?
Anorexia can have dangerous psychological and behavioral effects on all aspects of an
individual's life and can affect other family members as well.
- The individual can become seriously
underweight, which can lead to depression and social withdrawal.
- The individual can
become irritable and easily upset and have difficulty interacting with others.
- Sleep can become
disrupted and lead to fatigue during the day.
- Attention and concentration can decrease.
- Most individuals with anorexia become obsessed with food
and thoughts of food. They think about it constantly and become compulsive about
eating rituals. They may collect recipes, cut their food into tiny pieces,
prepare elaborate calorie-laden meals for other people, or hoard food.
Additionally, they may exhibit other obsessions and/or compulsions related to
food, weight, or body shape that meet the diagnostic criteria for an
obsessive compulsive disorder.
- Other psychiatric problems are also common in people with anorexia nervosa, including affective (mood) disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders.
- Generally, individuals with anorexia are
compliant. Sometimes, they are overly compliant, to the extent that they lack
adequate self-perception. They are eager to please and strive for perfection.
They usually do well in school and may often overextend themselves in a variety
of activities. The families of anorexics often appear to be "perfect." Physical
appearances are important to them. Performance in other areas is stressed as
well, and they are often high achievers.
- While control and perfection are critical issues for
individuals with anorexia, aspects of their life other than their eating habits are often
found to be out of control as well. Many have, or have had at some point in
their lives, addictions to alcohol, drugs, or gambling. Compulsions involving
sex, exercising, housework, and shopping are not uncommon. In particular, people
with anorexia often exercise compulsively to speed the
weight-loss process.
All of these features can negatively
affect one's daily activities. Diminished interest in previously preferred
activities can result. Some individuals also have symptoms that meet the
diagnostic criteria for a major
depressive disorder.
Next: What are anorexia symptoms and signs (physical)? »
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