Medical Minute: Anorexia Nervosa

New photos posted on social media by Whitney Houston‘s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, suggests she may be suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by a starvation diet and low self-esteem.

Bobbi Kristina’s attention-seeking behavior is indicative of youngsters who didn’t develop strong bonds with their parents or primary caregivers. Bobbi’s mom, Whitney, and her dad, singer Bobby Brown, had busy careers that kept them on the road for long periods of time.

People who suffer from Anorexia have an irrational fear that they are gaining too much weight. They obsess about staying thin due to an altered body image disturbance or the perception that they are too fat.

Anorexia Nervosa usually begins in adolescence and affects more girls than boys.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa includes:

  • Extreme weight loss
  • Thin appearance
  • Abnormal blood counts
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • A bluish discoloration of the fingers
  • Hair that thins, breaks or falls out
  • Soft, downy hair covering the body
  • Absence of menstruation
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin
  • Intolerance of cold
  • Irregular heart rhythms
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dehydration
  • Osteoporosis
  • Swelling of arms or legs

    • Anorexia red flags to watch for

    If you believe that a loved one may be suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, watch for these red flags:

  • Skipping meals
  • Making excuses for not eating
  • Eating only a few certain “safe” foods, usually those low in fat and calories
  • Adopting rigid meal or eating rituals, such as cutting food into tiny pieces or spitting food out after chewing
  • Cooking elaborate meals for others but refusing to eat
  • Repeated weighing of themselves
  • Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws
  • Complaining about being fat
  • Not wanting to eat in public

    • Treatment

    Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa includes medications, psychotherapy and hospitalization.

    Prevention

    Mothers and fathers should spend quality time with your adolescent daughters. In particular, fathers should spend more time with your young daughters. Get psychological help for your daughter if you notice she has issues with low self-esteem and abnormal eating habits.

    This has been your Medical Minute.

    More Info On the Web

    Anorexia Nervosa – MayoClinic

    Anorexia Nervosa – WebMD

    Anorexia Nervosa – MedlinePlus

    A Medication to Treat Anorexia – Time.com

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following advice found on this blog.