Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder and is a condition that goes well beyond out-of-control dieting. With anorexia, the drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. There are psychological and behavioral symptoms as well as physical symptoms of anorexia including: depression, social withdrawal, fatigue, food obsession, heart and gastrointestinal complications, kidney function, flaky skin, brittle nails, and tooth loss (this list is not exhaustive).
Read more: Anorexia ArticleMultimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating
Discover the warning signs of binge eating disorder, anorexia and bulimia. Read about the symptoms and causes of eating disorders...
-
Visual Guide to Binge Eating Disorder
Learn about signs, symptoms, treatment, and recovery for this eating disorder. Get to know how binge eating affects emotional and...
SLIDESHOW
Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
-
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.
-
Anemia: Symptoms, Treatment and Causes
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, menstruation, and medications. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
-
What Causes Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain can have many causes that range from mild to severe. Some of these causes include bloating, gas, colitis, endometriosis, food poisoning, GERD, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ovarian cysts, abdominal adhesions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder disease, liver disease, and cancers. Signs and symptoms of the more serious causes include dehydration, bloody or black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, pain with no urination or painful urination. Treatment for abdominal pain depends upon the cause.
-
Constipation
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low-fiber diets, laxative abuse, and hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
-
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often precedes vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but they are symptoms of many conditions. There are numerous cases of nausea and vomiting. Some causes may not require medical treatment, for example, motion sickness, and other causes may require medical treatment by a doctor, for example, heart attack, lung infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Some causes of nausea and vomiting may be life-threatening, for example, heart attack, abdominal obstruction, and cancers. Treatment of nausea and vomiting depends upon the cause.
-
Fatigue
Fatigue can be described in various ways. Sometimes fatigue is described as feeling a lack of energy and motivation (both mental and physical). The causes of fatigue are generally related to a variety of conditions or diseases, for example, anemia, mono, medications, sleep problems, cancer, anxiety, heart disease, and drug abuse.Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease that is causing the fatigue.
-
Osteopenia
Osteopenia is a bone condition characterized by bone loss that is not as severe as in osteoporosis. Bone fracture is the typical symptom of osteopenia, though the condition may be present without symptoms. Treatment involves lifestyle modifications (quitting smoking, not drinking in excess) and ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium.
-
Symptoms of 12 Serious Diseases and Health Problems
Learn how to recognize early warning signs and symptoms of serious diseases and health problems, for example, chronic cough, headache, chest pain, nausea, stool color or consistency changes, heartburn, skin moles, anxiety, nightmares, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, delusions, lightheadedness, night sweats, eye problems, confusion, depression, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, and nipple changes. The symptoms and signs of serious health problems can be caused by strokes, heart attacks, cancers, reproductive problems in females (for example, cancers, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and sexually transmitted diseases or STDs), breast problems (for example, breast cancer and non-cancer related diseases), lung diseases (for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, lung cancer, emphysema, and asthma), stomach or digestive diseases (for example, cancers, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic diseases, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease), bladder problems (for example, urinary incontinence, and kidney infections), skin cancer, muscle and joint problems, emotional problems or mental illness (for example, postpartum depression, major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mania, and schizophrenia), and headache disorders (for example, migraines, or "the worst headache of your life), and eating disorders and weight problems (for example, anorexia or bulimia).
-
Cholesterol (Lowering Your Cholesterol)
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Getting your cholesterol and triglyceride levels in an optimal range will help protect your heart and blood vessels. Cholesterol management may include lifestyle interventions (diet and exercise) as well as medications to get your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides in an optimal range.
-
Arrhythmia
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. With an arrhythmia, the heartbeats may be irregular or too slow (bradycardia), to rapid (tachycardia), or too early. When a single heartbeat occurs earlier than normal, it is called a premature contraction.
-
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by symptoms such as trouble concentrating, headaches, sleep problems, and irritability. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults. Treatment for anxiety may incorporate medications and psychotherapy.
-
Depression
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
-
Medical Marijuana (Medical Cannabis)
Medical marijuana (medical cannabis) is a medicine that is plant based. There are two species of medical marijuana; 1) Cannabis sativa, and 2) Cannabis indica. Medical marijuana is used to treat pain, nausea, anxiety, MS, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Medical cannabis is legal in a variety of states in the US. A card or licence is required to purchase medical marijuana in states where it is legal; however, medical cannabis is against Federal law. Medical marijuana comes in a variety of products, for example, gummy bears and other candy, muffins, cookies, drinks, salves, ointments, creams, oils, and wax.
-
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to suffer repeated obsessions and compulsions. Symptoms include irresistible impulses despite a person's realization that the thoughts are irrational, excessive hand washing, skin picking, lock checking, or repeatedly rearranging items. People with OCD are more likely to develop trichotillomania, muscle or vocal tics, or an eating disorder. Treatment for OCD includes psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication.
-
Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea (including hypothalmic amenorrhea) is a condition in which there is an absence of menstrual periods in a woman. There are two types of amenorrhea: primary and secondary. Treatment of amenorrhea depends on the type. In primary, surgery may be an option and in secondary amenorrhea medication or lifestyle changes may be treatment options. We go over the definition of amenorrhea, causes, and treatment options for amenorrhea.
-
Suicide
Second Source article from Government
-
Suicide
Suicide is the process of intentionally ending one's own life. Approximately 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year, and 10 million to 20 million attempt suicide annually.
-
Gambling Addiction
Compulsive gambling is a disorder that affects millions in the U.S. Symptoms and signs include a preoccupation with gambling, lying to family or loved ones to hide gambling, committing crimes to finance gambling, and risking importance relationships and employment due to gambling. Treatment may incorporate participation in Gamblers' Anonymous, psychotherapy, and medications like carbamazepine, topiramate, lithium, naltrexone, antidepressants, clomipramine, and fluvoxamine.
-
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which the patient has frequent urination. Symptoms of diabetes insipidus include irritable, listless, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the loss of large volumes of urine. There are three types of diabetes insipidus, central, nephrogenic, dipsogenic, and gestational. Treatment depends upon the type of diabetes insipidus.
-
What Does It Mean to Be Anorexic?
Anorexia is an eating disorder that leads to markedly reduced appetite or a complete aversion to food. People with anorexia constantly try to keep their weight as low as they can by not eating enough food.
-
Children's Health
Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health, and community health.
-
What's the Difference Between Anorexia and Anorexia Nervosa?
The word "anorexia" by itself simply describes the symptom of not being able or willing to eat. This can be caused by mental illness, but also by medical problems and chemotherapy for cancer, as well as infections and other disorders. "Anorexia nervosa" is the term for someone who fits the psychological criteria for a clinical eating disorder, the main symptom of which is self-starvation.
-
How Do You Feel When You Have Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that affects millions of people in the U.S. Learn about the signs of anorexia, what the causes are, and how it's treated.
-
How Do You Know if You Have Body Dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a type of mental health problem. In this disease, you are always preoccupied with how you look. You have an intense concern about not looking good or having a flawed appearance. This concern often interferes with your everyday tasks.
-
Binge Eating Disorder
Characteristics of binge eating disorder include eating more quickly than usual, eating until uncomfortably full, eating a lot of food despite not being hungry, eating alone due to embarrassment, and feeling disgusted by overeating.
-
What's the Difference Between Anorexia and Anorexia Nervosa?
The difference between anorexia and anorexia nervosa mostly comes down to how the term 'anorexia' is used.
-
Autism: Early Signs and Symptoms
Autism is known as a condition that falls under the category of the "autism spectrum disorders" because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior of an individual. Autism is said to be a "developmental disorder" because the signs and symptoms of the disorder generally appear in the first two years of life. However; toddlers, teens, and adults also can have autism. Early signs and symptoms can vary amongst infants, babies, toddlers, teens, and adults that may include; no eye contact, not responding to his or her name; doesn’t babble or “baby talk”; does not use language correctly; rocking; twirling; and head banging.
-
Childhood Obesity
Fast-food consumption and lack of exercise are just a couple of causes of childhood obesity. Health effects of childhood obesity include type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, gallstones, fatty liver disease, GERD, depression, and eating disorders.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- fluoxetine - oral, Prozac, Sarafem
- olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zydis)
- quetiapine (Seroquel)
- paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- risperidone, Risperdal; Risperdal Consta, Risperdal M-TAB
- fat emulsion - injection, Intralipid, Liposyn
- amino acids-injection, Aminosyn, Freamine, Travasol
- amino acids/electrolytes/glycerin - injection, Procalamine
Prevention & Wellness
- New Insights Into How Eating Disorders Alter the Brain
- Doorway Study Reveals How Anorexia Changes 'Body Awareness'
- Do Gut Microbes Play a Role in Anorexia?
- Is There a Better Therapy for Hospitalized Anorexia Patients?
- Eating Disorders Cost Billions in the U.S.
- Anorexia Often Stunts Girls' Growth, Study Finds
- Many Adults Delay Getting Help for Eating Disorders
- Eating Disorders, Exercise Addiction Go Hand in Hand: Study
- Taylor Swift Anorexia Revelation Echoes Other Celebrity Eating Disorders
- Health Cautions for Young Male Athletes
- Anorexia May Have Roots in Metabolism: Study
- Can Social Media Lead to Eating Disorders?
- Health Tip: Identify Risk Factors for Anorexia
- How to Spot an Eating Disorder
- Women Driven to Be Thinner When Husband Is Hot
- That Store Mannequin May Be Anorexic
- Study Links Celiac Disease, Anorexia
- Keep an Eye Out for Eating Disorders in Loved Ones
- Many Women With Eating Disorders Do Recover, Study Finds
- Body Acceptance Rises for Women
- Eating Disorders Seem More Common in Schools Where Girls Predominate
- Brain Stimulation May Help People With Anorexia
- Study Confirms Eating Disorders' Deadly Toll
- Kids Find Help for Anorexia More Often Than 'Pro-Ana' Posts on YouTube
- Bullies May Face Higher Odds of Eating Disorders: Study
- Health Tip: Talking to Your Child About Eating Disorders
- Bodybuilder Supplement Abuse a Growing Concern
- ADHD Tied to Higher Risk of Eating Disorder in Kids and Teens
- Migraine Drug May Up Risk of Eating Disorders in Some Teens
- Brains of Those With Anorexia React Differently to Hunger Signals
- ADHD Drug Might Help Treat Binge-Eating Disorder, Study Suggests
- For Anorexic Men, the Focus Is on Muscle
- Study: Family-Based Therapy Can Aid Those With Anorexia
- 'Bigorexics' Want to Boost Their Masculinity
- Brain 'Pacemaker' May Help Ease Tough-to-Treat Anorexia
- More Evidence Linking Creativity, Mental Illness
- Anorexics Can't Judge Own Body Size: Study
- Stressed-Out Men May Prefer Heavier Women
- Eating Disorders in Women Over 50
- Preteen Food Choices May Help Predict Eating Disorders Later
- Life Transitions May Trigger Eating Disorders
- Health Highlights: Jan. 3, 2012
- Eating Disorders Can Last Well Beyond Teen Years
- Binge Eating Often Overlooked in Men
- Eating Disorders Affect Fertility, Pregnancy
- Deadliest Psychiatric Disorder: Anorexia
- Osteoporosis Patients Underestimate Fracture Risk
- 12-Week Program Curbs Binge Eating
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.