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Anorexia and bulimia generally
affect people in their teens and twenties, but children as young as six and
adults as old 76 have been diagnosed with these disorders. About one
percent of female adolescents have anorexia; ten percent of diagnosed anorexics
are male.
No one variable has been found
that 'causes' an eating disorder, but certain personality characteristics,
genetic disposition, environment and biochemistry have all been discovered to
play a significant role in the development of these conditions.
Some common characteristics of
people with eating disorders include:
Low self esteem
Feelings of helplessness and a fear of becoming
fat
Seeking perfection and excelling at academics and
sports
People with bulimia nervosa often have
difficulties dealing with stress and anxiety; they may binge and purge to try to
cope with these feelings.
Once an eating disorder is diagnosed, a clinician can determine whether
hospitalization is necessary or if the person can be treated as an outpatient.
Hospitalization may be necessary if there is:
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Excessive and rapid weight loss
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Serious metabolic disturbances
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Clinical depression
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Risk of suicide
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Severe binge eating and purging psychosis
Many treatment plans are
comprehensive, because eating disorders are emotionally and psychologically
complex. Treatment often includes psychotherapy (individual, group and/or
family); nutritional counseling; cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy.
Antidepressant medication may be prescribed. Throughout treatment and
afterwards, emotional support from family and friends is vitally important.
Recovery is a long process, and relapses are common.
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