Anorexia Nervosa, Research Paper Example

Anorexia nervosa is a disease that is characterized by self-starvation.  The individual prevents the body from acquiring the necessary nutrients needed to function properly resulting in the “slowing down” of all bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, kidney processes, and bone generation. (National Eating Disorders Association, 2005) The reason why individuals with anorexia nervosa want to starve themselves and disintegrate into skin and bones is the fear of weight gain.  “AN is marked by low body weight, fear of weight gain, disturbance in the way in which one’s body size is perceived, denial of illness, or undue influence of weight on self-evaluation (Berkman et. al, 2006)”. There are several factors that can cause an individual to fear weight gain and become anorexic, and these include: socialcultural, family and individual factors. (Tozzi, 2004). Whichever the factor, the effects of an individual living with anorexia is lethal.

Anorexia affects an individual’s entire body. The chemistry in the brain and nerves are affected resulting in memory loss, distraction, moodiness, and fainting. Hair begins to become thin and fragile. The heart’s blood pressure and rate decrease resulting in possible heart failure.  The individual can become anemic and their muscles, joints and bones weaken and fracture.  The kidneys begin to fail, bodily fluids decrease, intestinal and hormonal problems appear resulting in constipation and the inability to become pregnant. In addition, the skin begins to bruise easily and grow fine pieces of hair all over the body to compensate for the lack of energy in order to keep warm. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009; Frazer, 2005)

There are many possible cause for anorexia nervosa, however the effects of an individual living with the disease is the same. The disease is life threatening and an individual can receive help and treatment for this illness through individual counseling (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009).

References

Berkman, N.D., Bulik, C., Brownley, K., Lohr, K., Sedway, J., Rooks, A., Gartlehner, G. (2006).  Management of Eating Disorders.  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 135.

Frazer, R. (2005). Anorexia Nervosa, Societal Causes and Solutions. Retrieved on December 23, 2011 from: http://www.alliswell.org/papers/anorexia.pdf.

National Eating Disorders Association. 2005. Anorexia Nervosa. Retrieved on December 23, 2011 from: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/nedaDir/files/documents/handouts/Anorexia.pdf

Tozzi, F., Sullivan, P.F., Fear, J.L, McKenzie, J., Bulik, C.M. (2003). Causes and Recovery in Anorexia Nervosa: The Patient’s Perspective. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 154pp.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  June 15, 2009. Anorexia  Nervosa.  Office on Women’s Health. Retrieved on December 23, 2011 from: http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/anorexia-nervosa.pdf.