ANOREXIA

NERVOSA
O c o n , G r a c e
B S N 2 - C
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
 Rachael Farrokh

An eating disorder characterized by It’s a serious condition that requires

an abnormally low body weight, an treatment. Extreme weight loss in
intense fear of gaining weight and a people with anorexia can lead to
distorted perception of weight. malnutrition, dangerous health
problems and even death.
 By the age 20, 1 out of 8 children might have an
individually recognizable eating issue. It is possible
to have an eating disorder at any age from
children to adolescents. Anorexia nervosa and
bulimia nervosa are prevalent in teenage girls, but
the illness affects a mere 0.3% and 1% of
secondary school girls, respectively.

Eating disorder is a complicated disease that

arises from a blend of genetic, environmental, and
social influences. People with eating disorders are
more likely to have out-of-control life when
people are unable to regulate them.

It may be anything from hunger to getting

obsessed with eating or using food to cope with
helpless sensations. Eating disorders are far
greater than controlling how much to consume or
what foods to like.
 e: “ in w h ic h s e v e r e
T h e re s tr ic t ing t y p
t a k e is t h e p r im a ry
limitation of food in in g f o o d
h t lo s s ,” an d e x h ib it
mean s t o w eig
v io rs ( e .g ., c o u n tin g
restrictive beha .
p in g m e a ls , e tc .)
calories, skip

g a n d p u r g in g ty p e : “in
The binge eatin th at
d s o f f o o d in ta k e
which there are perio d
te d b y s e lf- ind u c e
are compensa o r
iu r e ti c a b u s e , a n d/
vomiting, laxative or d
excessive exercise.”

TWO TYPES OF ANOREXIA

 C
A tendency toward perfectionism,
fear of being ridiculed or
humiliated, a desire to always be

A
perceived as being "good." A
belief that being perfect is
necessary in order to be loved.

Family history of anorexia. U Constant exposure to media that

presents body ideals (TV Ads,

S
Fashion magazines)
Abnormalities in brain chemistry.
Serotonin, a brain chemical that is

E
involved in depression, may play a
role.

S
Severe trauma or emotional stress
(such as the death of a loved one
or sexual abuse)
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Significant weight loss over several
weeks or months.
Not maintaining an appropriate body
weight based on your height, age, sex,
stature and physical health.
Unexplained change in growth curve or
body mass index (BMI) in children and
still growing adolescents.
Dizziness or fainting

Physical
Bluish discoloration of the fingers
Dry skin, brittle nails and/or thinning hair.
Irregular menstrual periods or Absence of

Symptoms
menstruation (amenorrhea)
Constipation and abdominal pain
Dry or yellowish skin
Intolerance of cold
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Dehydration
Swelling of arms or legs
 Having an intense fear of gaining weight.

Being unable to realistically assess your body

weight and shape (having a distorted self-image).

Having an obsessive interest in food, calories and

dieting.

Feeling overweight or “fat,” even if you’re

underweight.

Fear of certain foods or food groups.

Emotional
Being very self-critical.

Denying the seriousness of your low body weight

symptoms
and/or food restriction.

Feeling a strong desire to be in control.

Feeling irritable and/or depressed.

Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Behavioral
Changes in eating habits or routines, such as
eating foods in a certain order or rearranging
foods on a plate.
A sudden change in dietary preferences, such
as eliminating certain food types or food
groups.
Making frequent comments about feeling “fat”
or overweight despite weight loss.
Purging through intentional vomiting and/or
misusing laxatives or diuretics
Going to the bathroom right after eating.

Using diet pills or appetite suppressants.

Compulsive and excessive exercising or
extreme physical training.
Continuing to diet even when your weight is
low for your sex, height and stature.
Making meals for others but not yourself.
Wearing loose clothing and/or wearing layers
to hide weight loss and stay warm.

Symptoms
Withdrawing from friends and social events.
 Tests and Diagnosis
Physical Exam Lab Tests
measuring the height and weight; complete blood count (CBC) and
checking the vital signs, such as heart more-specialized blood tests to
rate, blood pressure and check electrolytes and protein as
temperature; checking the skin and well as functioning of your liver,
nails for problems; listening to your kidney and thyroid. A urinalysis also
heart and lungs; and examining your may be done.
abdomen.

Psychological Other
evaluation studies
A doctor or mental health X-rays may be taken to check your
professional will likely ask about bone density, check for stress fractures
your thoughts, feelings and or broken bones, or check for
eating habits. You may also be pneumonia or heart problems.
asked to complete psychological Electrocardiograms (EKG) may be
self-assessment questionnaires. done to look for heart irregularities.
Treatment
Stabilizing weight loss.
Beginning nutrition rehabilitation to
restore weight.
Eliminating binge eating and/or
purging behaviors and other
problematic eating patterns.
Treating psychological issues such as
low self-esteem and distorted
thinking patterns.
Developing long-term behavioral
changes.
People with eating disorders, including
anorexia, often have additional mental
health conditions:
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Borderline personality disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Substance use disorders
 MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Psychotherapy - a type of individual counseling Medication - to help manage anxiety and depression

that focuses on changing the thinking (cognitive that are often associated with anorexia. The

therapy) and behavior (behavioral therapy) of a antipsychotic medication olanzapine (Zyprexa®) and

person with an eating disorder. Fluoxetine may be helpful for weight gain.

Nutrition counseling - is a strategy to help treat Group and/or family therapy - Family support is very
anorexia that involves the teaching a healthy important to treatment success. Family members must
approach to food and weight, helping restore normal understand the eating disorder and recognize its signs
eating patterns, teaching the importance of nutrition and symptoms. People with eating disorders might also
and a balanced diet, restoring a healthy relationship benefit from group therapy, where they can find
with food and eating. support and openly discuss their feelings and concerns
with others who share common experiences.

Hospitalization - might be needed to treat severe weight loss that has resulted in malnutrition and other
serious mental or physical health complications, such as heart disorders, serious depression and suicidal
thoughts or behaviors.
 SURGICAL
MANAGEMENT
anorexia nervosa typically
doesn't require surgical
management. It's primarily
treated through therapy,
nutritional counseling, and
sometimes medication.
Surgery isn't a standard
treatment for anorexia
nervosa.
 COMPLICATIONS
Severe medical complications that can happen from untreated anorexia include:
Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).
Loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) and tooth enamel erosion.
Kidney and liver damage.
Fatty liver disease (steatosis).
Seizures caused by extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Rhabdomyolysis (rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle) due to loss of water and electrolyte/acid-
base imbalances.
Delayed puberty and physical growth.
Infertility and menstrual problems.
Insomnia.
Anemia.
Ventricular arrhythmia, a heart rhythm disorder.
Mitral valve prolapse (caused by loss of heart muscle mass).
Cardiac arrest.
Death.
 NURSING INTERVENTION
Promoting Adequate Nutrition: Encourage healthy eating patterns and provide guidance to restore
proper nutrition. Monitor the patient’s food intake and address any deficiencies. Collaborate with a
dietitian to create a balanced meal plan

Enhancing Fluid Balance: Monitor fluid intake and output. Address any
electrolyte imbalances due to excessive vomiting or laxative use. Encourage
hydration and educate the patient about the importance of maintaining fluid
balance

Promoting Positive Self-Body Image and Self-Esteem: Assist the patient in developing a realistic
body image. Provide emotional support and help them recognize their self-worth beyond physical
appearance. Encourage positive affirmations and self-acceptance

Promoting Positive Coping: Teach healthy coping mechanisms to manage

stress, anxiety, and emotional triggers. Encourage mindfulness, relaxation
techniques, and stress-reduction strategies
 NURSING INTERVENTION
Improving Skin Integrity: Anorexia nervosa can lead to dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss.
Promote good hygiene, moisturize the skin, and educate the patient about self-care practices

Improving Thought Process: Address distorted thoughts related to body image,

weight, and food. Implement cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other
evidence-based therapies to modify unhealthy thought patterns

Initiating Patient Education and Health Teachings: Educate patients and caregivers about the
dangers and consequences of disordered eating behaviors. Provide information on nutrition,
hydration, and mental health support resources

Administer Medications and Provide Pharmacologic Support: In some cases,

medications may be prescribed to manage anxiety, depression, or other co-
occurring mental health conditions. Monitor medication adherence and side
effects
Cleveland Clinic. (2021/11/17). Anorexia Nervosa.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9794-anorexia-nervosa

Mayo Clinic. (2019/Feb/20). Anorexia nervosa.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms
causes/syc-20353591

PACIFIC Teen Treatment. (n.d.). What Are The Two Types Of Anorexia?.
https://pacificteentreatment.com/mental-health/what-are-the-two-types-of-
anorexia/