Anorexia Diagnosis
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A full ten million women and girls in the United States suffer from anorexia and bulimia. These food-related illnesses are devastating to a person’s body and are often accompanied by related behavioral health issues such as depression or anxiety. Because anorexia nervosa is psychiatric, not just physical, in nature, diagnosis is not as easy to make as with someone who has a disease like diabetes. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, certain criteria must be present, in order for the determination of anorexia to be made. These conditions include:
Low Body Weight
The key number to keep in mind is 85%. If the individual is at 85% or less of what would be considered a normal body weight for her height and age, a problem likely exists. This concern would be amplified if she also refused to gain additional weight, to bring her weight up to what would be considered medically normal.
Weight Phobia
This is characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight. These individuals are terribly afraid of becoming fat, or even think they are fat, even though that is clearly not the case. It is often very difficult for people with this type of phobia to actually consume food, no less, gain weight.
Body Image Issues
Body image is how a person sees themselves; how they experience their own weight or shape. This view of themselves has an undue influence on self-evaluation, meaning an adolescent could be a good student, outgoing, great at sports, but all she can focus on, all she seems to care about, is the size of her “fat” thighs. This is usually accompanied by a denial of the seriousness of her low body weight.
Amenorrhea
This medical condition is loss of the menstrual period. Amenorrhea is present when a female, who has already achieved puberty, quits menstruating for at least three months. In this situation, the only way she can have a period is through the administration of hormones.
If you have a friend or family member who may have anorexia, the more information you can obtain, the better. Many articles with excellent content have been written on the topic and are available on the internet.
Because eating disorders are diseases, treatment is usually required. Outpatient services are available at centers throughout the country and are often quite effective. However, if progress isn’t made, inpatient treatment is recommended. Since 1990, Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders has treated nearly 8,000 women and girls. Remuda Ranch offers three distinct programs for children, adolescent girls and adults in Arizona and Virginia. These programs have an unparalleled recovery rate of 95% over one, five and ten years.
For more information about Anorexia disorder treatment, please check out www.remudaranch.com.
3 years ago • Notes