Signs of anorexia

Behavioral signs and symptoms of anorexics

Anorexia is a serious and potentially life threatening eating disorder. The disease has one of the highest death rates among psychological disorders. Though the exact cause is unknown, health experts believe a number of factors including emotional, physical and behavioral contribute to the disorder. When left untreated, anorexia can lead to permanent physical disabilities.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may have anorexia, there are many warning signs and symptoms you can look for. The sooner a patient is diagnosed, the sooner they can seek life saving treatments.

Primary Behavioral Symptoms

There are many signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa, the most common of which are as follows:

• Avoidance of food at all costs.

• Person who denies feeling hungry even though they seldom eat.

• Development of rituals surrounding food that enable a person to eat relatively little food. This may include eating in secrecy or re-arranging the food on one’s plate.

• Dramatic weight loss that occurs over a relatively short period of time and is not associated with an illness.

• Preoccupation with one’s physical appearance, weight and food.

• Person feels overweight even though they appear normal or underweight.

• Individual has self identity that evolves around their body image or weight.

• lack of willingness to eat out with others or engage in social activities that might involve eating.

What to Watch For If You Suspect Anorexia

If you suspect that someone you know is anorexic, there are numerous symptoms other than the primary signs you can watch out for:

• Light downy hair growth on face.

• Amenorrhea.

• Dry hair and nails or hair loss.

• Decreased immunity or frequent colds or other illnesses that seem to linger over time.

• Person is overly sensitive to cold.

• Frequent fatigue or weakness.

• Difficulty focusing on anything other than one’s weight or body image.

• Increasing reluctance to engage in social activities.

• Noticeable depression, anxiety or expressions of guilt or sadness.

Potential Factors Contributing To Illness

There are certain factors that might contribute to the illness, that are also characteristic of individuals with anorexia.

Someone with anorexia is typically concerned with perfectionism, to the point where they might engage in seemingly obsessive or compulsive behaviors. They may also seek out approval or seem to need approval to engage in any type of social activity.

Other people with anorexia may demonstrate a tendency to withdraw from any social setting. Some are more prone to emotional outbursts or mood swings.

There are many health experts who attribute anorexia to emotional feelings of being overwhelmed or powerless to confront or deal with a particular situation.

If you suspect someone you know might have anorexia, or if you feel you might have an eating disorder yourself, it is vital that you seek out professional assistance as soon as possible.

Anorexia nervosa can be a life threatening condition, or can lead to permanent physical disability if not treated early on. The best care will include a combination of professional and personal support and guidance that will address any underlying emotional and behavioral factors contributing to the disease.