What are the symptoms of Anorexia?
Anorexia is characterised by:
- refusal to maintain body weight above the minimum normal weight for their
age and height
- intense fear of gaining weight or be coming fat, despite being under weight
- distorted negative view of own weight size, or shape eg. an adolescent may
regard themselves as fat even when they are obviously underweight
What are the symptoms of bulimia?
Bulimia is characterised by:
- repeated episodes of binge eating (ie. consumption of large amounts of
calorie-rich food)
- reports of lack of control over eating during these binge-eating episodes
- attempts to compensate for binges and to avoid weight gain by self-induced vomiting
A person with bulimia is usually average or slightly above average in weight
for their height.
What are the effects of anorexia and bulimia?
Physical Effects
If left untreated, severe anorexia and bulimia can be life threatening.
Responding to early warning signs and obtaining early treatment is essential.
Both illnesses, when severe, can cause:
- loss/disruption of menstrual period
- anaemia
- reduced resistance to cold/infection
- swelling of limbs
- loss or thinning of head hair
- growth of downy hair on arms and face
- tooth decay, mouth and oesophagael ulcers resulting from corrosion
by stomach acid in people who vomit frequently
- constant tiredness and lethargy
- sleep disturbance
Emotional and Psychological Effects
- depressed mood
- mood swings
- poor concentration
- irritability
- indecisiveness
- withdrawal/social isolation
- feelings of failure and helplessness
What treatment is available?
The first step in treatment is a thorough physical examination by a
medical practitioner. This is important for 2 reasons:
- The physical complications caused by eating disorders need to be
medically treated and monitored. In severe cases
hospitalisation may be necessary.
- Changes in eating behaviour can be caused by illnesses other than
anorexia or bulimia.
Psychological therapy is provided on an outpatient basis by the Child &
Adolescent Mental Health Service. Adolescents are seen individually to
help them stabilise and manage their eating using cognitive-behavioural
techniques.
