What is Anorexia?
Are you worried about someone’s weight? The DSM IV TR (2000) characterizes anorexia nervosa as individuals who refuse to maintain normal body weight, fear of gaining weight, and shows signs of misperception of his or her body. The word anorexia means loss of appetite. The DSM IV TR (2000) points out that the term anorexia is not an accurate name for this disorder because loss of appetite is rare. People with anorexia nervosa may seem to have a loss of appetite. However, they hide their appetites behind strict diets, self-disciple, of not eating. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder seen in both males and females.
Let us talk about the three types of criteria for anorexia nervosa. The first criterion is found in adolescence. During adolescence, the child fails to make expected weight gains while growing in height. The individual will need to weigh less than 85% of the weight that is considered normal for their age and height (DSM IV TR, 2000). The weight is measured by a published pediatric growth charts or by measuring the body mass index (BMI). The guidelines are found on insurance tablets, pediatric growth charts, ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research and clinician tables. If you are unsure you can ask your doctor. The individual’s weight loss is attributed to the reduction in daily food intakes. The young individuals may limit themselves to strict diets, purging or laxatives. Many times, you will find they have increased exercise routines.
The second criterion for anorexia nervosa is the fear of gaining weight or becoming fat (DSM IV TR, 2000). The individual will be scared to gain weight although they are losing weight. The individual has a misconception of their body weight and size. Do you notice the person obsessing about their weight? Do they compare themselves to others daily?
The third criterion is when an individual may realize they are skinny but still concerned with parts of their body. The person may obsess about their stomach, buttocks, arms or other parts. The person will constantly view himself or herself in the mirror analyzing a body part. An individual with anorexia nervosa will have low self-esteem, depend on their view of self, strict self-discipline, and view any weight gain as unacceptable. Do they constantly analyze themselves? Do you hear them say anything positive about their appearance? Do they accept or believe compliments about their appearance?
The DSM IV TR (2000) suggests postmenarcheal females with amenorrhea causes anorexia nervosa creating a fourth criterion. This means a female may have low levels of estrogen that diminish secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) causing a physiological dysfunction. Amenorrhea causes an absence or late menstruation. If you or someone you know fit these criterion reach out for help. Contact a counselor who can help guide you to the right resources.
Most individuals with anorexia nervosa will not admit to their health issue. It is up to you; family members or friends bring it to their attention and help them get professional help. If an individual reaches out for help, it is normally due to another stressor. Typical patients with anorexia nervosa will not see themselves as “too skinny” instead they view themselves with body distortions of “overweight.” More than likely you will not be able to reason with them out their figure.
There are two subtypes of anorexia nervosa. They are a binge-eating/purging type and restricting type (DSM IV TR, 2000). The first subtype involves regular binge eating, purging, use of laxatives and diuretics. The person may or may not binge eat and still purge small meals. Individuals in this category typically engage in these activities twice a week (Robert Levy p.4). The second type does not involve binge eating, purging, and use of laxatives or diuretics. The people may starve themselves, deprive themselves of nutrients, or place themselves on strict diet and intense workout programs.
What causes anorexia nervosa? Well many things can contribute to this disease. It is important to find ways to prevent and treat anorexia nervosa. Research claims 40-60% of young girls see themselves overweight and trying to lose weight (National Eating Disorder 2008). NEDA says 10-15% of these young females describe themselves as “chronic dieters” and two thirds of them are not overweight. I believe these numbers are on the rise due to social factors. If anorexia nervosa is not treated, it can lead to starvation, health issues, or suicide. The health issues can be from electrolyte issues and infections (Robert Levy p.12). Robert Levy’s article said 6-20% succumb to death. This is an alarming death rate.
I believe Christian counseling will offer more avenues to healing than secular counseling. Christian counseling will involve helping them find their true selves by finding a new life in Jesus. It is important to help the individuals understand God made them and they are beautiful and in His image. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14 NIV). Christian counseling will help them renew their mind with God’s word. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV). -Christina Mielke, counselor
References
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Edition) TR (2000) American Psychiatric Publishing Co.
National Eating Disorder Association. (2008) Welcome to National Eating Disorder Association [Online] Available @ http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/information-resources/index.php
Life Application Study Bible. The New International Version Grand Rapids, MI 1997
Levy, Robert PhD., MPH (April 17, 2006). Anorexia Nervosa. [Online] Emedicine, WedMD. Available @ http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic144.htm
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