Anorexia Nervosa
Eating Disorder
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Have you ever been dissatisfied with your weight? So much so that you decide to stop eating for days at a time? If so,you maybe in need of some information about Anorexia Nervosa a serious eating disorder.
Anorexia Nervosa is a eating disorder in which people fail to maintain body weights that are normal for their age and height. They also have a fear of becoming fat, distorted body images, and amenorrhea. (Nolen-Hoeksema,2014)
What are the causes?
Much like many other diseases, biological, psychological and environment may play a part in who develops this disease but there is no exact known cause for Anorexia Nervosa.(www.mayoclinic.org)
Biological- Genetics towards perfection, sensitivity, and perseverance
Psychological-Obsessive Compulsive personality that would lead an individual to believe that it is easier to stick to a strict diet
Environment- Because of societies emphasis on thinness this is what the person inspires to be.
Are there Treatment Options?
YES, there is help available for Anorexia Nervosa, known as psychotherapy as well as Behavioral therapy. but in order for these methods to work, trust must be given to the therapist. (Nolen- Hoeksema,2014) often times, if the individual is too thin, the therapist may have to take the necessary measures to insure that individual's life is not in danger. Psychotherapy helps the individual try to face and solve psychological issues that are causing them to starve themselves.(Nolen-Hoeksema,2014), Behavioral Therapy is used to change how the person thinks of food as well as to start the individual adding certain foods back to their diet.(Nolen-Hoeksema,2014)
Myths or Misconceptions about Anorexia Nervosa
People often think that you can look at a person and tell if they have an eating disorder, well people that have eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes. And in case you figured that only women get eating disorders, think again there are men suffer from this disease. In fact 1 out of 10 men suffer from an eating disorder. For some of you that feel as if those suffering from this disease can change at anytime because it was their choice to be that way, News flash, Anorexia is a mental illness, that could have serious physical impact on a person's body. (www.eatingdisorders.org)
Therapist Slection
Look for the Therapist that have experience with Eating Disorders. Ask questions to see if he or she fits your needs as well as ask for credentials make sure that they are a Clinical Psychologist(Ph.D of Psy.D) or a Licensed Mental Health worker. You will want to find someone that have a doctrine which indications that they have been studying the field for at least 7 years total. (www.Mirror-Mirror.org.)
Other Resources
Muskegon Community Mental Health
Address: 376 E Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442
Phone:(231) 724-1111
Harbor Psychological Associates
1148 Fourth Street
Muskegon, Michigan 49441
Call Dr. Margaret lowe
(231) 498-4191
References
- http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/choose-therapist.aspx,7
- www.eatingdisorders .org.
- www.Mayoclinic.org.
- www. Mirror-mirror.org
- Nolan-Hoeksema, S. (2014). Abnormal Psychology. New York, NY. McGraw-Hill Education.