Related Content

• Article: What Causes Anorexia? Social Pressure, Psychology, or Serotonin?

  A single cause for anorexia nervosa has not been discovered. While some researchers believe social pressures affect an anorexic's body image, others believe psychological disorders or physical problems (such as serotonin imbalances) may be to blame. While no exact cause of anorexia is known,…

• Article: The Anorexia Diagnosis

  Diagnosing anorexia nervosa is a complex process, made more difficult by the anorexic's refusal to accept that she has a problem. To the anorexic, the need for weight loss is normal, so only rarely will an anorexic seek medical help. Anorexia nervosa usually only comes to a doctor's attention when…

• Article: Women’s Health and Anorexia Treatment

  While anorexia nervosa can affect men as well as women, the eating disorder is primarily a woman's health issue. As such, most anorexia treatments and counseling focus on women's health. However, anorexia counseling, nutritional therapy, and the use of antidepressants such as fluoxetine are as valid…

• Article: Dangers and Health Effects of Anorexia Nervosa and Starvation

  Anorexia causes serious health complications as weight loss and starvation progress. Starvation affects all areas of the anorexic's body, including the heart. Binge and purge type anorexics may induce vomiting or laxative abuse, which may have serious side effects. Mortality rates from anorexia…

• Article: Anorexia Symptoms and Signs: More Than Weight Loss

  Anorexia nervosa is characterized by abnormal weight loss: An anorexic in the late stages of anorexia nervosa will exhibit symptoms of severe weight loss and starvation. Detecting anorexia nervosa in the early stages of the disorder, however, is more difficult. Initially, it may appear that the anorexic…