Anorexia Nervosa

"Anorexia nervosa" literally means "loss of appetite for nervous reasons". This translation isn't entirely accurate though as in reality you have lost the ability to allow yourself to satisfy your appetite. As a result of this an individuals who have anorexia probably restricts the amount they eat and drink, sometimes to a dangerous level.

Anorexia mainly affects adolescent girls although in recent years there has been a rise in the number of boys being diagnosed with the disorder. The most common features are loss of weight and a change in behavior in which the weight loss may become severe and life threatening.

Sometimes changes in a sufferers personality will become apparent, and these can include increased seriousness and introversion, an increasing tendency to become obsessional, a loss of self confidence, becoming less assertive and less argumentative. As a result of this, someone suffering from Anorexia may begin to lose contact with their friends. There are a number of other symptoms such as a sufferer can't/won't maintain a minimum body weight (for example, 85% of expected weight for height and age). They may, despite being underweight, intensely fear becoming overweight.

Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening illness, and should be treated as soon as possible. Sufferers should seek help, or be encouraged to do so.

There are many self-help organisations for anorexia nervosa, which are usually run by people with personal experiences of eating disorders. There are also self-help books available.