ANOREXIA

Mety Tri Nurnuzulawati, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog  

ANOREXIA

Anorexia refers to a psychological disorder known as anorexia nervosa, which is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia nervosa have a relentless pursuit of thinness and often restrict their food intake to the point of starvation. They may also engage in excessive exercise and other behaviors to control their weight. This disorder can have severe physical and psychological consequences.

CHARACTERISTICS

The characteristics of anorexia nervosa, a type of eating disorder, include:

1. Intense fear of gaining weight: Individuals with anorexia nervosa have an extreme fear of becoming overweight, even if they are already underweight.

2. Distorted body image: People with anorexia nervosa have a distorted perception of their body shape and size. They may perceive themselves as overweight, even when they are significantly underweight.

3. Restrictive eating behaviors: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by severe food restriction and a significant reduction in calorie intake. Individuals may limit their food intake, skip meals, or avoid certain types of food.

4. Excessive exercise: People with anorexia nervosa often engage in excessive exercise as a means to burn calories and control their weight.

5. Rapid weight loss: Due to severe food restriction and excessive exercise, individuals with anorexia nervosa experience significant and rapid weight loss, leading to being underweight .

6. Physical complications: Anorexia nervosa can lead to various physical complications, including low body temperature, irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and hormonal disturbances.

7. Emotional and psychological symptoms: Individuals with anorexia nervosa may experience intense anxiety, depression, irritability, and a preoccupation with food, weight, and body image.

8. Social withdrawal and isolation: People with anorexia nervosa may withdraw from social activities and isolate themselves due to their preoccupation with food and body image, as well as feelings of shame and guilt.

9. Distorted thinking patterns: Anorexia nervosa is associated with distorted thinking patterns, such as perfectionism, black-and-white thinking, and a strong desire for control.

10. Denial of the seriousness of the condition: Many individuals with anorexia nervosa deny or minimize the severity of their condition, making it challenging to seek help and treatment.

CAUSES

The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some potential causes of anorexia nervosa include:

1. Genetic factors: There is evidence to suggest that anorexia nervosa may have a genetic component, as it tends to run in families. Certain genes may contribute to an individual's susceptibility to developing the disorder.

2. Biological factors: Imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin, have been associated with anorexia nervosa. Additionally, hormonal imbalances and abnormalities in the hypothalamus, which regulates appetite and metabolism, may play a role.

3. Psychological factors: Anorexia nervosa is often associated with underlying psychological issues, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and a need for control. Individuals with anorexia may use their eating habits and weight as a way to cope with emotional distress or gain a sense of control.

4. Sociocultural factors: Societal pressures, cultural ideals of thinness, and media influence can contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa. The emphasis on thinness and the portrayal of unrealistic body standards can contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors.

5. Environmental factors: Traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, or significant life changes, may increase the risk of developing anorexia nervosa. Additionally, family dynamics, peer pressure, and social influences can contribute to the development of disordered eating patterns.

It is important to note that these factors do not directly cause anorexia nervosa, but rather increase the risk of developing the disorder. The development of anorexia nervosa is complex and multifaceted, and individual experiences and vulnerabilities may vary.

CASES OF ANOREXIA

According to various sources, the prevalence of anorexia nervosa varies across different countries and populations. Here are some statistics on the prevalence of anorexia nervosa:

1. United States: It is estimated that approximately 0.9% of women and 0.3% of men will experience anorexia nervosa at some point in their lives.

2. United Kingdom: In the UK, it is estimated that around 1.25 million people have an eating disorder, with anorexia nervosa being one of the most common types.

3. Australia: In Australia, it is estimated that around 1% of females aged 15-24 have anorexia nervosa.

4. Japan: The prevalence of anorexia nervosa in Japan is estimated to be around 0.1-0.5%.

5. Sweden: Studies have shown that the prevalence of anorexia nervosa in Sweden is around 0.3-0.4%.

It is important to note that these statistics may vary depending on the methodology used in the studies and the specific population being examined. Additionally, these numbers may not capture the full extent of the disorder, as many cases of anorexia nervosa go undiagnosed or unreported.

 

REFERENCE

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Beat. (n.d.). Eating Disorders Statistics.

Hudson, J. I., Hiripi, E., Pope, H. G., & Kessler, R. C. (2007). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 61(3), 348-358.

Nakai, Y., Nin, K., Noma, S., Teramukai, S., & Wonderlich, S. A. (2019). The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders in Japan. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 88, 57-61.

National Eating Disorders Collaboration. (n.d.). Eating Disorders in Australia.

Swanson, S. A., Crow, S. J., Le Grange, D., Swendsen, J., & Merikangas, K. R