Know why anorexia can wreck your psychological well-being

There are psychological perspectives associated with anorexia which can be harmful to you.

Aishwarya Vaidya | Published: June 4, 2018 10:43 am

Anorexia nervosa is a psychological and a potentially life-threatening eating disorder which can hamper the quality of life of the person. Reportedly celebrities like Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Jane Fonda and many more suffered from this life-altering disease. Also in India, there are over a million cases a year being diagnosed in India. Read on to know more…

Anorexia is an eating disorder, characterized by an obsessiveness for weight watching and exercise to prevent weight gain, in spite of often being within the normal weight range. “Repeated, intrusive thoughts centred around the persistent efforts to reduce weight, in spite of being fairly normal as regards to the weight, brings along anxiety and depressive feelings, explains Dr Fabian Almeida, Psychiatrist and Counselor, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan.

Psychological perspectives associated with anorexia:

• Mood swings, irritability, low frustration tolerance, decreased self-esteem, ideas of helplessness-hopelessness-worthlessness, suicidal thoughts and a sort of learned helplessness.

Read: Anorexia & bulimia – Eating disorders that harm not just your body

Dr Fabian Almeida says, “Constant weight loss, increasing physical weakness and debility gradually becomes more evident. Often, there are episodes of self-mutilation, the frequency and the intensity of which, may increase with the untreated illness. These symptoms and the disorder per se, are self-recognizable. In severe cases, psychotic symptoms like delusions, hallucinations and aggression, also become evident.”

Treatment:

• Treatment in such cases requires a multi-disciplinary approach i.e, the teamwork of experts such as the psychiatrist, physician and a nutritionist. Immediate corrective measures to restore normal body weight and metabolism is required, besides dealing with issues like malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, amenorrhea, anaemia and so on.
• A detailed meal plan will need to be outlined and carried forward successfully.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to involve the patient and improve their coping skills is an effective way of further treatment.

Read: 8 signs of anorexia athletica — an obsession with excessive exercise
Lifestyle modifications:

• Get a clear concept of normative body weight as per their height and weight.
• Moderation is the key factor in lifestyle modification and results have to tabulate, compared and successful intervention needs to be reinforced.
• Emotional hygiene and self-esteem issues have to be dealt with delicately so that communication and comprehension are enhanced and targeted as an important lifestyle indicator.

Dr Fabian Almeida signs off by saying, “Be aware, accept it, communicate, be patient, don’t give up and be over-critical about yourself. Don’t skip your doctor’s appointments, medicines, goals, targets, deadlines and so on. This will help you to get back on track.”

Image Source: Shutterstock

Published: June 4, 2018 10:43 am

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