Anorexia is an eating disorder where people starve themselves and treatment of anorexia is difficult, because people with this disease believe there is nothing wrong with them. Anorexia is one type of eating disorder and another is bulimia. Both are applicable to men but much more common for women. Preteens, girls especially, can develop a serious eating disorder. Eating disorders may begin in children as young as 8 years old.
People with eating disorders really do harmful things to their bodies because of their obsession about their weight. The most widely and rapidly spreading eating disorder is compulsive overeating or binge eating disorder. There are three types of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and ED-NOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified). Anorexia is a mental illness, it usually is about a control issue.
If you are on this web site then you probably already know what anorexia is. In one example anorexia is described as a way of gaining attention. It is for sure a condition that leads to problems with eating. The most common form of anorexia is simply satiation following the consumption of food. Central to persons in this condition is an abnormal fear of gaining weight.
If you are suffering from most of the symptons of anorexia, but not really severely or really that noticably, you need medical help anyway. There are also some very unusual symptons like pregnancy symptons. Angina symptons can also be common. Primarily though is the sudden interest in weight loss, food, calories etc. You can have The Eating Attitudes Test which gives an index of the symptons of anorexia nervosa.
There are many treatment centers for persons with eating disorder, but enough. So although eating disorders are rampant in our society, yet few states in the nation have adequate programs or services to combat anorexia nervosa and bulimia. As up to 10 million teens develop eating disorders, abnormal attitudes and behaviors with foods, which include anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. Eating disorders that are literally killing youngsters and adults.
To get a proper treatment you should search for institutions with an Eating Disorders Intensive Counseling Treatment Program to treat these eating disorders. Some also offer Specialized Adolescent Eating Disorder Programs including help for their parents.
In spite of all the treatment availbable there remain a small number, usually girls, who die from this condition despite energetic and expert treatment.
The sooner the treatment is started, the better the chance of recovery. Remember you can make a difference by helping a friend confront her illness and seek treatment. Successful treatment of anorexia requires that the patients symptoms be egodystonic enough for the patient to be motivated to do something about them.
What is appropriate treatment when a person with an eating disorder is also a substance abuser. Some commentators have spoken out against psychiatric treatment of anorexia nervosa in general and, in particular, against compulsory treatment. Treatment of anorexia nervosa is often quite complicated the patient must want to change and must have family and friends to help them.
The motivation for anorexia is the mirror, how do I look. So the best you can say to a person with anorexia is “You don’t look healthy”.
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November 24th, 2008 at 7:48 am
When did mental illness become chic?
It seems there is a whole subculture of people (usually in their teens or early twenties, usually female) that consider mental illness and addiction fashionable. Especially popular are eating disorders (mostly anorexia), self-mutilation, depression, and suicidal gestures / attempts. These people wear their disorders with pride, brag about their psych hospitalizations, and compare notes on their suicide attempts and psychotropics. This has only been fueled by films such as Girl, Interrupted and books like Wasted.
I am not saying that mental illness is something to be ashamed of – not at all. And I am not implying that many of these people don’t have real mental disorders, and are truly suffering. I am all for people with similar ailments coming together to support each other.
I just don’t understand the whole phenomenon that has made mental illness the “flavor of the week”, something to be desired and sought after. Does anyone have any insight? Am I completely off the mark?
November 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I agree! Right now a commercial is on TV for ADHD. A commercial!
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November 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Often people like to use it as an excuse to get attention…
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November 24th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
I get what you are saying. I happen to be one of the girls you are describing, in my late teens, with a bevy of mental disorders and such. I am sickened by girls that are like, OMG! i got that too! Mental disorders make people different, stand out from the crowd, and many girls who want attention because they do not they don't want to do something healthy to gain attention , will often play the mental disorder card. I will, personally, only tell someone what is wrong upstairs if they are confused by my behavior or my feelings. You are totally on the mark. Its a disgusting trend, that almost mocks the whole idea of mental health, and some girls only mental problem is being a histronic.
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one of emm
November 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Not to sure if it is usually females… but anyway…being depressed is always good for a few days of work, especialy if you say that you've forgotten to take your tablets! Some people will always use the newest thing to attract attention to themselves which is an illness in itself. mental illness needs to be projected in such a way that is informative but not to be used as an excuse. most sufferers of depression only really tell very close friends and relatives of their condition, once on medication find that they do not need to excuse themselves because they are now coping with life and, i believe, those who broadcast it are quite sad and in need of comfort. i don't think you are off the mark either just very observant. sometimes people need to voice their opinion to make others see beyond what is given to them.
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November 24th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
What a good question.
It became chic when the pharmaceutical companies invented drugs looking for a disease. And the medical profession decided to write up mental illnesses that everyone could identify with to use those fabulous pills.
Just another cynic.
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November 24th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I kind of feel the same way. I think some people use the excuse of a mental illness as a way of excusing bad behavior. I think other people claim it as a way of getting attention or making themselves seem more interesting. It's also a good excuse to explain why your kids behave the way they do. "He isn't a brat. He has ADHD." My mother-in-law has decided that my husband has dyslexia (he doesn't) because he wasn't a great student. It sounds better than he was lazy and didn't do his homework. My son actually was diagnosed as having "high-functioning autism" but autism has also become one of those trendy catch-alls for kids so we don't really discuss it a whole lot or use it as an excuse for anything. My mother-in-law likes to tell people he has Asperger's syndrome as it sounds catchier. Drives me crazy but it makes her feel special. It's trendy right now to be a "victim" so I think it's all part of that. I've been around kids who really do have mental illnesses and it's not something I'd wish on anyone.
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November 24th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
When? It has been a gradual process, which started decades ago with movies that were meant to educate the public about the real problems of truly unfortunate individuals. 'Sybil', for instance.
Everyone supposedly has a mental problem now. OCD, Anorexia, Bulimia, clinical depression, ADD, etc.
People discovered that if they make themselves out to be victims, they would get special consideration and treatment. So they grab hold of the victim label, and milk it for all it's worth.
Example: there are still people in east Texas that came here from Louisiana after hurricane Katrina, and *still* claim that they are unable to get a job, or that the depression/post traumatic shock lingers and they are unable to work, so they need more handouts. It's all BS, and has been for AT LEAST the last year. Free food and free rent are addictive, it seems.
As for the nuts who are supposedly suicidal and time their 'suicide attempts' so that someone will walk in on them soon enough to save them…it's sort of the same thing, but something emotional is the currency they are after. I cannot explain it.
Plus, some of these wack jobs just seem to think they are living in a movie, and want everyone to look at them and see the 'good-looking but troubled lead', who is both 'sensual' and 'edgy'.
I think it's called EMO now. When I was a kid, they just got their butts kicked, and eventally figured out that this is real life, not a movie of the week.
A small minority of these supposedly troubled individuals *really are* troubled, and need help. Make no mistake, I am not talking about them.
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November 24th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Anyone who is bragging about being hospitalized has a problem. Hospitalization is serious and not the best place to be. And chances are, those that are bragging about being hospitalized HAVE NEVER been.
Right now, on Yahoo Answers, there seems to be alot like this. But in the real world, I don't know too many. In fact, most epople I know keep their mental problems private. Perhaps this forum caters to the neediness of this group of people that are really not mentally ill, but are just here seeking attention.
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November 24th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I have noticed this alot more lately. I don't think these people have a grasp on what it is like to suffer with a mental illness. It is not "fun" or "cool". Anyone who is truly suffering with a real problem would understand that. I would trade my situation for being "normal" anyday. It makes me disgusted when I tell someone (only when it seems necessary) that I am the way I am because of a mental illness….and they say "oh me too" or "I have that" when it is clear to me that they have no idea what it's really like. It is a struggle every day all day.
I think a lot of it is attention…people want to be original and to be noticed. Some of it is the media and certain young female celebrities. Girls look up to these people and they flaunt their destructive behavior.
It gives me that sick feeling when I see it and all it does is make things more difficult for the people who are truly suffering.
Im glad im not the only one that is bothered by this.
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