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Anorexia nervosa
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- In this condition, the individual has a distorted body image of normal weight. He/she may also have a fear of becoming fat. The individual uses starvation and/or exercise in order to achieve abnormally low weight.
- It occurs in one out of every 100 females, 16-18 years of age; incidence peaks at 14.5 and 18 years of age.
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- Loss of sexual interest
- Extensive exercise habits
- Elaborate eating rituals
- Decline in cognitive functions, exemplified by learning difficulties in school
- Social isolation
- Blotchy skin
- Refusal to maintain body weight
- 25% or more weight loss
- Distorted body image
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
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- Distorted body image
- Fear of weight gain
- Fear of loss of control over food intake
- Depression
- Models/actresses as the standard for "normal" (who themselves are often anorexic)
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- Laboratory work up may include a
complete blood count with differential (may show low white
blood cell count and a low CD4/CD8 ratio and anemia),
chemistry panel (may show abnormal liver enzymes and high
cholesterol), hormone levels (Low T3, low FSH, low LH, low
leptin, high growth hormone, high vasopressin and cortisol
levels), urine analysis, and EKG (prolonged Q-T interval).
- Dental cavities
- Depression may be identified
- Body weight 15% below expected
- Emaciation
- In females, absence of three consecutive menstrual cycles
- Low heart rate
- Low basal body temperature
- Loss of body fat
- Dry scaly skin
- Increased lanugo (fine "baby" hair)
- Enlargement of glands in front of ears (parotid gland enlargement)
- Leg swelling
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- Psychiatric/behavioral team experienced with anorexia
- Hospitalization may be necessary.
- Antidepressants may be considered.
- Intravenous nutritional support if malnutrition is severe
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- Current societal admiration for thinness as a sign of
beauty/attractiveness has contributed to the problems of
distorted body image held by many anorexic women. Thirty years
ago, most of the actresses/models of today would be considered
"tomboyish" and "masculine."
- The phenomenon of anorexia (and bulimia) is a strong
indication of the need to empower individuals not to have
their bodies and souls controlled by fluctuating and illogical
standards, as dictated and fostered by the
media.
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