What is an Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder (mental disorder) that is characterized by a fear of being overweight. "Anorexia" is Greek word which means "loss of appetite" while "nervosa" is a Latin word which means "nervous". Anorexia nervosa usually affects the teenage girls, which usually begins when they decide to lose weight, often unnecessarily. People with this disease continue to avoid eating food to lose weight, even if they are near starvation.

A variety of psychological, genetic, biological, developmental, and societal factors may contribute to developing this syndrome. Anorexia nervosa may be encouraged because of our society's emphasis on thinness, especially in women.

• You may have some genetic risk toward developing it.
  
• Some evidence suggests differences in brain chemicals in those who develop anorexia.

Treatment often can be extremely challenging because someone with anorexia will not cooperate or resists participation in any treatment program. A coordinated team of specialists is needed to handle all the medical and psychological components of this illness. Initially, treatment must focus on stabilizing any life-threatening complications of starvation. In severe cases, the medical team will assist in regaining weight, possibly using nutrition replacement through an IV.

• The team must educate the person about the disease and its medical complications, as well as teach proper nutritional requirements.
  
• Psychiatric treatment uses cognitive, behavioral, and psychotherapeutic methods within a comprehensive treatment plan.
  
• Sometimes doctors will use medications, but such programs lack proof that they work.
  
• Family and support networks should be actively involved in treatment.