Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms and Treatment Methods
Anorexia Nervosa, is a serious eating disorder that occurs when an individual feels fat while ignoring their actual weight. It is usually observed during adolescence, especially in young girls between the ages of 12-20. This disorder is becoming increasingly widespread with social media and environmental pressures and can lead to serious health problems. In this article, we will examine the symptoms of anorexia, its physical and psychological effects, the role of social media and treatment methods in detail.
Symptoms of Anorexia
One of the most distinctive features of anorexia nervosa is that the individual constantly feels overweight. This situation can become dangerous when combined with a person's extreme desire to lose weight. The main symptoms of anorexia include:
- Extreme weight loss: The person falls below a healthy weight.
- Decreased desire to eat: The person refuses to eat or eats very little.
- Obsessive thoughts: Constant obsession with losing weight and looking fit.
- Physical symptoms: Complaints such as dry skin, hair loss, loss of energy.
- Psychological problems: Anxiety, depression and social isolation.
Physical and Psychological Effects
Anorexia has serious effects not only physically but also psychologically. People with anorexia often experience the following physical and psychological problems:
- Sleeping disorders: Anorexia can disrupt sleep patterns and cause a person to feel tired.
- Energy Loss: Malnutrition reduces an individual's energy levels.
- Movement Difficulties: Decreased muscle mass negatively affects mobility.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: The person may develop a constant need for control and obsessive thoughts.
- Depression and Anxiety: Anorexia can lead to the emergence of mental disorders.
The Role of Social Media
Social media on young people perfect body standards and this is an important factor in the spread of anorexia. The ideal beauty perception shared on social media platforms leads to body image concerns in young individuals. This situation paves the way for eating disorders such as anorexia.
In addition, aesthetic and healthy living content encountered on social media is attractive to young individuals. desire to lose extreme weight for a perfect look This is also among the triggers of anorexia.
Diagnosis and Treatment Methods
Anorexia treatment may vary depending on the patient's condition and symptoms. What is important in the treatment process is the individual's is to get professional support. The following methods are generally used in the treatment of anorexia:
- Dietitian support: It helps the individual to create a healthy nutrition plan.
- Psychotherapy: Necessary support is provided to improve the individual's mental health status.
- Psychiatric support: If necessary, it can be supported by drug therapy.
- Inpatient treatment: If a person has lost 30% of their body weight, they may need hospital treatment.
The treatment process aims to help individuals restructure themselves and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Anorexia treatment can be a long process and patients need a strong support network.
Conclusion
It is clear that anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that is common in young people and can lead to serious consequences. Preventing and treating this disorder is a social responsibility. Families, educators and health professionals should support young people in having a healthy body image and encourage them to seek professional help when necessary.
