1. Disordered Eating Anorexia Nervosa

2. Anorexia Nervosa--Definition O Medical Definition O An eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food (<85% of ideal body weight for age & height) O A serious psychological disorder O Persons with this disorder may have an intense fear of weight gain, even when they are underweight. O They may diet or exercise too much, or use other methods to lose weight.

3. Causes O Exact causes are unknown—Many factors are involved O Genes and hormones may play a role. O Social attitudes that promote very thin body types may also be involved. O Family conflicts are no longer thought to contribute to this or other eating disorders.

4. Risk Factors O Being more worried about, or paying more attention to, weight and shape O Having an anxiety disorder as a child O Having a negative self-image O Having eating problems during infancy or early childhood O Having certain social or cultural ideas about health and beauty O Trying to be perfect or overly focused on rules

5. Prevalence O Affects 0.5-2% of the population (1.5-6.2 million) O Anorexia usually begins during the teen years or young adulthood. O It is more common in females, but may also be seen in males. O The disorder is seen mainly in white women who are high academic achievers and who have a goal-oriented family or personality.

6. Signs & Symptoms O To be diagnosed with anorexia, a person must: O Have an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when she is underweight O Refuse to keep weight at what is considered normal for her age and height (15% or more below the normal weight) O Have a body image that is very distorted, be very focused on body weight or shape, and refuse to admit the seriousness of weight loss O Have not had a period for three or more cycles (in women)

7. Signs and Symptoms O Psychological Symptoms O Cutting food into small pieces or moving them around the plate instead of eating O Exercising all the time, even when the weather is bad, they are hurt, or their schedule is busy O Refusing to eat around other people O Physical Symptoms O Blotchy or yellow skin that is dry and covered with fine hair O Confused or slow thinking, along with poor memory or judgment O Depression O Dry mouth O Extreme sensitivity to cold O Loss of bone strength

8. Health Problems O Bone weakening O Decrease in white blood cells, which leads to increased risk of infection O Low potassium levels in the blood, which may cause dangerous heart rhythms O Severe dehydration O Severe malnutrition O Thyroid gland problems

9. Treatment O In patient hospital O Restore healthy weight O Address other medical complications O Outpatient treatment O Medical care O Dietitians/Nutritionist O Psychological help (individual and group)

10. Anorexia--Recovery