Anorexia Nervosa
You are beatiful no matter what size!
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
It could be this or that...Possible causes for Anorexia
- Biological-Although it's not yet clear which genes are involved, there may be genetic changes that make some people more vulnerable to developing anorexia (mayo Clinic Staff).
- Psychological- Some emotional characteristics may contribute to anorexia. Young women may have obsessive-compulsive personality traits that make it easier to stick to strict diets and not eat despite being hungry. They may have an extreme drive for perfectionism, which causes them to think they're never thin enough(Mayo Clinic Staff).
- Environmental- Modern Western culture emphasizes thinness (Mayo Clinic Staff).
What Anorexia Does To The Body (Anorexia Fact Sheet)
How To Get Better... Treatment Options
- Hospitalization- If you feel that you are in extreme danger than you should go seek help now (mayo Clinic Staff).
Medical care- Because of the host of complications anorexia causes, you may need frequent monitoring of vital signs, hydration level and electrolytes, as well as related physical conditions (mayo Clinic Staff).
Psychotherapy-These types of therapy may be beneficial: Family-based therapy. This is the only evidence-based treatment for teenagers with anorexia. Individual therapy. For adults, cognitive behavioral therapy — specifically enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy — has been shown to help (mayo Clinic Staff).
- Medications- Not one drug has been proven but antidepressants can sometimes work (mayo Clinic Staff).
When Seeking Help Look for this
Ask Questions:
Practical Issues
- Where are you located?
- What are your hours?
- What are the costs?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- If not, what arrangements do you have for payment? Do you have low-fee or sliding-scale options?
- What times are available for initial and regular appointments?
- If I need medication, can you prescribe or refer me to someone who does?
- What are your Credentials
- What training and experience do you have in treating Anorexia and other eating disorders?
- Do you have a license or certification by the state? If so, in what profession?
Working Together
- Could you describe how you would work with a person like me?
- Do you give homework or reading to do between sessions?
- May I include family members in my treatment?
- How often and for how long would you anticipate seeing me?
- How long do you expect it to take before I begin feeling better?
- Will you coordinate my care with other treatment providers, and if so, how?
- How can I be in touch with you between sessions if I have questions?
(Questions to Ask)
Looking For More Info... Try These References
Anorexia Fact Sheet. (2012, July 16). In Womanshealth.org. Retrieved from
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/anorexia
nervosa.html
Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Anoresxia Nervosa. In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/basics/definitio
/con-20033002
Questions to Ask: Choosing a Treatment Provider. (2015). In ADAA. Retrieved from
http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/treatment/questions-choosing-your-therapist