Anorexia Nervosa (cont.)
What is the prognosis (outcome) of anorexia?
Anorexia is among the psychiatric conditions
with the highest mortality rate, with an estimated 6% of anorexia victims dying
from complications of the disease. The most common causes of death in people with
anorexia are medical complications of the condition including cardiac arrest and
electrolyte imbalances. Suicide is also a cause of death in people
with anorexia.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the overall
prognosis in an individual with anorexia. With appropriate treatment, about half
of those affected will make a full recovery. Some people experience a
fluctuating pattern of weight gain followed by a relapse, while others experience a progressively
deteriorating course of the illness over many years and still others never fully
recover. It is estimated that about 20% of people with anorexia remain
chronically ill from the condition.
As with many other addictions, it takes a
day-to-day effort to control the urge to relapse. Many individuals will require
ongoing treatment for anorexia over several years, and some may require
treatment over their entire lifetime.
- Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and, more
importantly, a psychological disorder.
- The cause of anorexia has not been definitively
established, but self-esteem and self-image issues, family dynamics, societal
pressures, and even genetic factors may each play a role.
- Anorexia affects females far more often than males
and is most common in adolescent females.
- The disorder affects about 1% of adolescent girls in
the U.S.
- People with anorexia tend to show compulsive
behaviors and may become obsessed with food.
- The extreme dieting and weight loss can lead to a
potentially fatal degree of malnutrition.
- Other possible consequences of anorexia include heart-rhythm disturbances, digestive abnormalities,
bone density loss, anemia, and hormonal and
electrolyte imbalances.
- The treatment of anorexia must focus on more than just
weight gain.
- The prognosis of anorexia is variable, with some
people making a full recovery. Others experience a fluctuating pattern of
weight gain followed by a relapse, or a progressively deteriorating course over
many years.
- As with many other addictions, it takes a day-to-day effort to control
the urge to relapse, and treatment may be needed on a long-term basis.
REFERENCE:
United States. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). "Anorexia Nervosa." Jan. 22, 2009. <http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa.shtml>.
Last Editorial Review: 10/7/2009
- amino acids-injection, Aminosyn, Freamine, Travasol - Consumer information about the medication AMINO ACIDS - INJECTION (Aminosyn, Freamine, Travasol), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug AMINO ACIDS - INJECTION.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to suffer repeated obsessions and compulsions. Learn symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
- fat emulsions-injection, Intralipid, Liposyn, Nutrilipid - Consumer information about the medication FAT EMULSIONS - INJECTION (Intralipid, Liposyn, Nutrilipid), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug FAT EMULSIONS - INJECTION.
Latest Medical News
Mental Health RSS