Eating disorders are complex psychiatric syndromes in which cognitive distortions

related to food and body weight and disturbed eating patterns can lead to significant and
potentially life threatening medical and nutrition complications. The three types of eating
disorders are anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and eating disorder not otherwise
specified (EDNOS).
One of the types of eating disorder is anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is
characterized by a denial of hunger and intentional restriction of energy and nutrient intake to
a level inadequate to maintain health and normal weight. Anorexics have intense fear of
gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight, disturbance in the way in which
ones body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-
evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight. In postmenarcheal
females, they get amenorrhea, that is the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual
cycles.
Society can cause someone become an anorexics. Society has an idealized perception of
slim body proportions (unreasonably low body fat percentages) that can be reinforced by
family members who praise the slim body and the self-control and discipline necessary to
achieve this standard. Feeling the need to control a sometimes uncontrollable and
unpredictable world can correlate into a need to be very disciplined in regards to food intake.
Cliques or friends can also provide encouragement for the dieting.
Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa is complicated by a number of factors. One is that the
disorder varies somewhat in severity from patient to patient. A second factor is denial, which
is regarded as an early sign of the disorder. Many anorexics deny that they are ill and are
usually brought to treatment by a family member.
Anorexia nervosa is a serious public health problem not only because of its rising
incidence, but also because it has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric
disorder. Moreover, the disorder may cause serious long-term health complications, including
congestive heart failure, sudden death, growth retardation, dental problems, constipation,
stomach rupture, swelling of the salivary glands, anemia and other abnormalities of the blood,
loss of kidney function, and osteoporosis.
A special treatment are required for an anorexics. Someprimary treatment there are
correction of medical complications, restoration of body weight and composition, resumption
of normal growth and development, initiation/return of normal menstrual periods
(females)/testosterone levels (males), normalization of dysfunctional eating patterns and
treatment of underlying psychologic issues/comorbid conditions. Successful treatment of
adolescent eating disorders requires family support, commitment to the treatment program,
and participation in family therapy. Involvement of the entire family in nutrition counseling is
crucial, especially for young adolescents who are dependent on others for the purchasing and
preparation of foods.