Hca_240

Anorexia Nervosa HCA 240 Sharon Matthews Anorexia means lack of appetite; it is a psychological illness that is characterized by marked weight loss. Adolescent girls are primarily affected and it occurs in approximately 0.2 to 1.3 percent of the general public (Hobbs & Johnson, 1996). Individuals that are affected by anorexia nervosa are so preoccupied with dieting and limiting food intake that they can reach the point of starvation; they may look healthy but are fading away on the inside. We are going to explore the myths, misconceptions and treatments of the illness along with available treatments, how the illness is diagnosed and what tests and professionals are involved in the treatment of the illness. According to the Web4Health website “In 1684 Anorexia Nervosa was described for the first time, but it was not until 1870 that it became identified and described with its own diagnosis.” In the early 1970’s the American media began to write about anorexia. On February 4, 1983 the music industry lost 3 time Grammy winner Karen Carpenter to anorexic nervosa. In 1984 a popular TV show “Saturday Night Live” performed and episode about anorexia and what an anorectic cookbook could look like. As time goes on more and more people become more aware of the effects of anorexia nervosa. A couple of the most common myths and misconceptions about anorexia are; Myth: Anorexia is incurable. Truth: While anorexia can cause both physical and psychological issues, it can be treated successfully. (Fabiola, 2006). Myth: Anorexics do not eat. Truth: Anorexics do eat, they restrict their food intake to vegetarian like diets. (Fabiola, (2006). Neurotransmitters are produced, stored, and released from neurons, or nerves cells, within the central and peripheral nervous system. Voluntary and involuntary physical and psychological processes, such as heart rate and blood pressure, behavior, emotions, mood, sleep, and sex drive, are regulated by intricate neurotransmitter activity. Inadequate regulation of neurotransmitters as well as excess neurotransmitter activity in distinct areas of the brain are associated with mental illness. (Mulvil, et el, 2006) The neurotransmitters that are associated with anorexia nervosa are; dopamine which regulates mood, behavior, thought process, muscle movement, physical activity, heart rate, blood pressure, feeding, appetite, and satiety. Serotonin regulates; perception of pain, feeding, sleep-awake cycle, motor activity, sexual behavior, and temperature regulation. (Mulvil, et. el, 2006) According to the Mayo Clinic Staff, “Some people with anorexia lose weight mainly through severely restricting the food they eat.” Excessive exercising or binging and purging are other ways they may try to lose weight.” Some of the physical signs of anorexia nervosa are; extreme weight loss, thin appearance, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness or fainting, a bluish discoloration of the fingers, brittle nails, thinning or hair breakage, soft downy hair covering the body, menstruation has stopped, constipation, dry skin, intolerance of cold, irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, dehydration, osteoporosis and swelling of the arms and legs (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009). There are also emotional and behavioral symptoms to anorexia, those are; refusal to eat, denial of hunger, excessive exercise, lack of emotion, social withdraw, irritability, preoccupation with food, reduced interest in sex, depressed mood, and the possible use of herbal products or diet aids (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009). The first step to diagnosing anorexia nervosa is to rule out medical causes for the weight loss. A physical exam would be performed that would include; checking vital signs such as the heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature; checking the skin and nails for dryness or other problems; listening to the heart and lungs and an examination of the abdomen (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009). Laboratory tests may also be performed which would include a complete blood count, liver functions, and the measurements of electrolytes and protein in the blood. Blood work for kidney and thyroid functions and a urinalysis may also be done (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009). A psychological evaluation will also be performed by a doctor or a mental health provider. Along with the tests mentioned above, x-rays may be performed to check for broken bones, pneumonia or heart problems, electrocardiograms may also be performed to check for heart irregularities. To help plan for nutritional requirements a test would be done to determine how much energy the body uses (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009). For a true diagnosis of anorexia the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS) has a very strict criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia which are; a refusal to maintain a body weight that is at or above the minimum normal weight for ones age and height; an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat even though the patient is underweight; denial of the seriousness of having a low body weight, or having a distorted image of one’s appearance or shape; The absence of a period of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2009). Treatment for anorexia varies and is determined by several different factors such as; age, living arrangements, how long the patient has been affected by anorexia, overall medical condition, other eating disorder symptoms such as binge eating, vomiting, or laxative abuse, poor results with previous treatments and the severity of other associated psychological symptoms that include depression, and problems controlling impulses and personality problems. WebMD states “All people with anorexia nervosa need treatment. In most cases this involves seeing a doctor and having regular counseling sessions. A hospital stay is needed for those who are seriously underweight or who have severe medical problems.” Forms of treatment associated with anorexia nervosa are; behavioral family therepy, this helps family members support the patients recovery; medical treatment, if the body has started to break down due to malnutrition, medical treatment should be a top priority; Nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian will help the patient learn healthy eating habits and understand the importance of proper nutrition; and family therapy, the patients support team learns about anorexia and how to help the patient change their diet and exercise patterns (WebMD, 2009) At this time there are no known medication that directly treats anorexia. According to Dryden-Edwards M.D. (2009) “Approximately 95% of those affected by anorexia are female, but males can develop the disorder as well.” In the U.S. and other countries with high economic status, it is estimated that about one out of every 100 adolescent girls has the disorder. Anorexia is more common in middle and socioeconomic groups. While anorexia is curable, it can also take a person’s life if left untreated, if a person suspects that a family member or friend may be afflicted with the condition, it is very important to form a circle of support system for the effected person, this will enable them to beat the condition References Hobbs, W., & Johnson, C. (1996). Anorexia nervosa: an overview. American Family Physician, 54(4), 1273. Retrieved from MEDLINE with Full Text database. Human Diseases: A Systematic Approach, Sixth Edition, by Mary Lou Mulvihill, Mark Zelman, Paul Holdaway, Elaine Tompary, and Jill Raymond. Copyright © 2006 by Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN: 0-536-98499-9 Web4Health. (2008). The History of Anorexia Nervosa and Other Eating Disorders. Retrieved October 8, 2010 from http://web4health.info/en/answers/ed-anorexia-history Fabiola, G. (2006). Common Myths and Misconceptions About Anorexia. Retrieved October 8, 2010 from http://ezinearticles.com/'Common-Myths-and-Misconceptions-about-Anorexia&id=220173 Mayo Clinic Staff,. (2009). Symptoms. Mayo Clinc. Retrieved October 8, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anorexia/DS00606/DSECTION=symptoms Mayo Clinic Staff . (2009). Tests and Diagnosis. Mayo Clinc. Retrieved October 8, 2010 from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/anorexia/DS00606/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis Dryden-Edwards M.D., R. (2009). Anorexia Nervosa. Retrieved October 9, 2010 from http://www.medicinenet.com/anorexia_nervosa/article.htm