ANOREXIA AND ADDICTION: A COMPLEX AND TOXIC RELATIONSHIP
Anorexia is one of the most common types of eating disorder. It affects nearly three million Americans and over twenty percent of anorexia-related deaths are the result of suicide. About half of anorexia patients have comorbid anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia and about 33-50 percent of anorexia patients have a comorbid mood disorder, such as depression. Anorexia is characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat. It is often closely to linked to certain kinds of addiction and substance abuse.
Anorexia is manifested through extreme behavior which results in rather obvious signs and symptoms. If there’s one silver lining with this illness, it’s that it may be easier to detect than other types of mental disorder. While each person’s anorexia symptoms are unique according to the scope and severity of their condition, some of the more common signs include:
- Extreme Weight Loss
- Tooth Decay
- Refusal to Eat During Meal Time
- Binge Eating
- Compulsive Behavior
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Social Isolation
Women suffer from eating disorder at twice the rate of men. If you or someone you care about are suffering from these or any other symptoms related to anorexia, it’s important to get treatment right away to avoid any further health issues.
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED ANOREXIA
Prolonged and untreated anorexia creates an enormous variety of physical and psychological health issues, the exact scope of which will vary in each individual patient. Some of the more common effects of anorexia include, but are not limited to:
- Fatigue Due to Malnutrition
- Organ Failure
- Infertility
- Dental Issues
- Headaches
- Heart Failure
- Brain Damage
- Gastrointestinal Issues
Anorexia can also lead to more extreme psychological issues like depression, anxiety, trauma and the deepening of low self-esteem. Lifestyle issues include decline in professional or academic performance and the deterioration of romantic relationships. Anorexia is closely linked to distorted body images and dysfunctional self-perception.
