The causes of anorexia are not widely known

Anorexia comes from the Greek which means loss of appetite and nervosa comes from the Latin word which means a disturbance of the nervous system. So, simply put, anorexia nervosa is a nervous disorder that makes a person lose their appetite. The cause of anorexia nervosa in a patient is quite difficult to determine because there are many factors. However, many believe that feelings of excessive anxiety can be one of the causes of anorexia nervosa. For more details, see the explanation below.

Features of anorexia nervosa

Based on the Guidelines for the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Disorders (PPDGJ), there are several criteria so that a person can be said to be anorexic. Its own trademark is to reduce weight on purpose, continuously, and quite extreme. However, to get a definite diagnosis, the patient must meet the following criteria.

1. Always underweight

Weight that is always 15 percent below normal can be a symptom of anorexia. Preteens may fail to achieve the desired body weight during the growing period.

Losing weight is done deliberately by avoiding foods that contain fat. The patient may also vomit food, use laxatives, exercise excessively, take appetite suppressants and / or diuretic drugs.

2. Have a negative body image

Anorexia nervosa patients may have a very negative view of their own body, feeling themselves fat even though they are thin. This is referred to as body image or body image which is not healthy.

The patient may also be constantly haunted by thoughts of gaining weight or gaining weight.

3. Reproductive system disorders

In women, anorexia nervosa can cause amenorrhea (menstruation stops) because hormone levels in the body are imbalanced. Additionally, men and women with anorexia nervosa may lose sexual desire.

In children or adolescents, anorexia nervosa can cause delayed or stopped puberty. As a result, teenage girls may not grow breasts and never have their first menstruation. Adolescent boys also may experience problems in which the penis remains small, not developing as it should.

Identify the factors that cause anorexia

The causes of anorexia nervosa are quite complex and there are many factors. You can even experience anorexia nervosa because you have several factors at once.

1. Biological factors

In patients with anorexia nervosa, there is a disturbance in the hormones norepinephrine and MPHG, which are the end products of norepinephrine in urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Disturbances in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine also cause dietary problems.

All these hormonal and chemical disorders that cause anorexia are regulated in the brain. Therefore, anorexic patients do have serious problems with the biochemical structures in the brain.

2. Social factors

Generally, patients who experience anorexia nervosa have problems in relationships with their parents, their closest people, and can be further triggered by a lack of empathy in the family.

Another social factor is the obsession of modern society with the slim body shape of women. This obsession is continuously instilled, especially in young women, for example through the mass media.

3. Psychological factors

Anorexia nervosa can also be triggered by psychological factors, such as trauma. For example, young women who have been teased or bullied bully because having a body that is filled can develop eating problems that lead to anorexia. Likewise, in the family, children are required to look perfect with a slender body.

Is it true that anxiety (anxiety) can be the cause of anorexia?

Based on research, anorexia is associated with several types of anxiety or anxiety. For example, panic attacks, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and so on. The higher the level of anxiety, the worse the anorexia will be. There are several types of anxiety that trigger anorexia.

1. Fear of being judged negatively by others

People who have anorexia fear weight gain and criticism from others. The term to describe excessive fear and anxiety is " weight phobia ", Which means a phobia of foods with high calories and weight gain.

2. Obsession

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a blind obsession with food and body weight, certain eating habits, vigorous exercise, and other habits that often arise and are associated with OCD.

This obsession will increase, especially when you are in the acute anorexia phase. The obsession will subside as the patient has improved and has gained weight.

What types of anxiety are the most common causes of anorexia nervosa?

Based on research conducted by Rotheran, anorexia is said to be a "branch" of OCD. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a condition characterized by commanding thoughts, repetitive behavior, and compulsive actions.

Generally, patients will be diagnosed with OCD first. Then about five years later, the new patient developed anorexia. This is due to compulsive encouragement and anxiety in the patient. Meanwhile, one of the factors causing anorexia is excessive anxiety and fear of being fat.

Anorexic patients are also more at risk for excessive compulsive behavior. For example, exercise is too hard and has an unnatural obsession when choosing food, preparing food, cooking food, and serving food.

Overcoming anxiety that may be the cause of anorexia

Therapy given to patients with anxiety disorders and anorexia can be in the form of psychological therapy which is more aimed at anxiety disorders. Usually patients are advised to undergo CBT therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy or behavioral and cognitive therapy) with a psychologist.

Some steps to reduce anxiety include:

1. Exercise and do physical activity to divert anxiety. However, do consult a doctor or sports coach (personal trainer) to determine how long and what kind of exercise is right and safe for you.
2. Talk to doctors, friends, family.
3. Be careful about things that can trigger anxiety. For example reading magazines, viewing internet content, watching movies, television shows, and fashion show who adored slender women and men.
4. Live a healthy diet. Don't forget, avoid caffeine because it can trigger anxiety.

For the treatment of anorexia, a psychotherapy approach can be done. Psychotherapy consists of individual therapy, family therapy, nutritional counseling, and group therapy.

In patients who are still in the acute phase, the goal of individual psychotherapy is to increase the patient's weight. Family psychotherapy, is used to increase family support for patients. Psychotherapy that is done in groups can also be done. In group psychotherapy, patients will receive support, advice, and education about their eating disorders.

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