Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a psychological disorder characterised by a refusal to eat, an intense fear of becoming fat, overactivity in exercising and the relentless onslaught of negative feelings about body image. Most patients are female and typical incidence is during adolescence. People with anorexia can quit eating, vomit after eating or use laxatives.

Symptoms: underweight, weakness, dizziness, cessation of menstruation, erosion of the oesophagus, oesophageal ulcers and the erosion of tooth enamel. Chronic health consequences include starvation, dehydration and low potassium levels.

Who to consult: Counsellor, dietician, GP, herbalist, meditation practitioner, psychologist, yoga practitioner.

Tags: anorexia, anorexia nervosa, psychology, psychological, eat, eating, fat, obese, overweight, exercise, body image, adolescence, vomit, vomiting, laxatives