Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a psychiatric diagnosisthat describes an eating disorder shopwn by low body wieght and body image, with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. This is commonly shortened to Anorexia.

The diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa has a number of criteria that the person has to meet these are:

-Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less than 85% of that expected; or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected).

-Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming obese.

-Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

-The absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles (amenorrhea), in women who have had their first menstrual period but have not yet gone through menopause (postmenarcheal, premenopausal females).

-Or other eating related disorders.

The History of Anorexia Nervosa can be traced back to 1684 where it was first metioned but not until 1870 where it became identified and described with its own diagnosis. Although this was discovered it wasn't until the late 20th century when the media started writing about it. Though it still wasn't told how serious it could be. But this changed when many scientists or psycholigists started to write alot of books about the disease and its seriousness. Now today there are many clinics around the world with dedicated psycholigists and scientists to try and stop this disease.

Since the studies of Anorexia there is no one cause of the disease. Several different factors are involved in producing the disorder they are:

-Cultural Pressures

-Psychological Issues

-Family Environment

-Genetic factors

-Life Transitions

-Perpetuating Factors

The treatment of Anorexia is done by being treated in an outpatient setting, or hospitalization may be necessary.

Some famous people that have had Anorexia Nervosa or Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen