ALTERNATIVE THERAPY SERIES - 8. ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA
SYMPTOM

1. Significant weight loss
2. Fear of becoming fat, even when emaciated.
3. Excessive dieting and exercising
4. Distorted body image
5. Abnormal food preoccupations, such as counting all calories or obsessively studying cookbooks
6. Constipation
7. Dry, sallow skin
8. Increase in facial and body hair loss of some head hair
9. Cessation of menstrual periods
10. Suppression of sexual desire
11. Hands and feet cold at normal room temperature
12. Chronic Insomnia; an unexplained increase or decrease in energy level

WHAT IS ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder centered on an overwhelming dread of becoming fat. The result of this unfounded fear is self starvation and major weight loss; in addition to emaciation, the under nourishment may cause hormonal disturbances, anemia, irregular heartbeat, brittle bones, and many other problems.
Usually the condition occurs during early adolescence to young adulthood, although it may strike later. Some 90 percent of sufferers are female; about 1 percent of American women are afflicted. Anorexia is dangerous, and professional help should be sought early. Prompt treatment will usually keep the condition from progressing, but some cases are very resistant to treatment and may require hospitalization. As many as 15 percent of anorexia die from complications.
Although its focus is on food, anorexia is an illness of the mind. Often it begins with a relatively normal desire to lose a few pounds. But because dieting only temporarily relieves underlying psychological problems, it soon becomes compulsive; food intake is gradually minimized until eating is almost eliminated. The victim becomes obsessed with her body image and frequently sees herself as fat even though the opposite is true. Ironically, she ritualizes food preparation and consumption. She becomes fascinated with recipes and cooking yet will not eat the food herself, especially in the presence of others. She may intersperse fasting with periodic binging and purging particularly when she is trying to regain eating habits. About half of all anorexics become bulimic at some point.
Anorexics tend to come from families that have high standards of achievement, and they are of their life, especially school. Denial often accompanies their intense focus on remaining thin: Anorexics will typically refuse to admit that anything is wrong, and they become angry or defensive expression of concern by others.

CAUSES

While some studies indicate that genes can play a predisposing role in Anorexia, most researchers believe that psychological factors are key. Anorexics tend to have low self esteem and feel undeserving of love. In adolescence, such feelings may be exacerbated by sexual changes, cultural messages that glorify thinness, and pressures or tensions within the family. Extreme fasting may be an anorexic’s way of attempting to exert control over her life- not just shaping her appearance but also retarding maturation and sexual development.

TREATMENT

Psychotherapy, regular medical monitoring and nutritional guidance should be part of any treatment program for Anorexia. Close cooperation among all health professionals involved is important. All these professionals should be experienced specifically in treating eating disorders.

CONVENTIONAL MEDICINES

Treatment of Anorexia will vary, depending on the stage at which it is recognized and the patient’s willingness to cooperate. Hospitalization is usually necessary if the patient has lost more than 25 percent of normal body weight.
The primary focus of treatment is individual psychotherapy to uncover emotional problems and interpersonal difficulties that may underlie the disorder. Family therapy is also important if the patient is living at home, and behavior therapy can help change detrimental habits. In addition, a goal of specific weight range should be set, and ongoing nutritional education and medical monitoring are important.
Supplement of Zinc sulfate will redress any Zinc deficiency. Other nutritional supplements, appetite enhancers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs are often prescribed well.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

Alternative therapies may help with some of the symptoms of Anorexia and can serve as useful adjuncts to treatments that address nutrition and the emotional roots of the disorder.

HERBAL THERAPIES

To relax stomach muscles try GENTIAN( Gentiana lutea) or any other digestive bitter; make a tea pouring boiling water over 1 to 3 tsp of dried herbs or a handful of fresh herbs. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Take a small cupful three or four times a day.

MIND / BODY MEDICINE
Yoga, T’ai chi, dance and swimming are among the exercise or relaxation techniques that can reduce anxiety and increase body awareness.
EEG biofeedback can help bring anxiety and eating habits under control. Hypnotherapy may also be useful in exploring underlying emotional problem.