Teens Eating Disorders - Teens Eating Disorders Require Medical Attention

Many teenagers, mostly women, are found to be affected by some sorts of eating disorders which, if not taken seriously and given proper medical attention, might prove even life-threatening. These disorders are mainly bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. Eating disorders also constitute a major part of mental illnesses, with high mortality rates in some circumstances, and reduced longevity among some of the afflicted.

Those who have bulimia have the habit of bingeing and purging, i.e., eating large amounts of food in bursts and then getting them out by vomiting or using laxatives. People with anorexia severely restrict their food consumption.

The cycle of bingeing and purging, followed by bulimics while also maintaining a diet, often goes out of control. Many bulimics successfully keep their symptoms under wraps for years even though they began to follow the practice at a tender age. This further complicates the situation when medical help is sought. Bulimics apparently look healthy and confident; but beneath the skin, they are often depressed and suffer from lack of self-esteem. Some of them even develop bad habits like shoplifting or get addicted to liquor.

Bulimics consume much more calories than normal in binges and then tries to lose weight by purging like self-induced vomiting, using laxatives, diuretics or enemas. As a result, the body's balance of sodium, potassium, and other chemicals go haywire. This leads to fatigue, seizures, irregular heartbeat, thinner bones, damaged stomach and esophagus, skin rashes, irregular menstrual cycles and so on.

Anorectics are usually obsessed with fear of becoming fat and even perceive normal folds of flesh as fat. Anorexia usually begins in the teens, but it can start even earlier. The problem may sometimes be a one-off limited episode with huge weight loss within a few months followed by recovery. Else, it may develop gradually and persist for years. Those with anorexia usually move food about on the plate and cut it into tiny pieces to prolong eating, and avoid eating with the family.



Anorexia results in discomfort while sitting or lying down, and victims may withdraw from friends and family. This near-starvation slows down or stops certain bodily processes. Blood pressure dips, breathing rate slows, menstruation problems set in, and the thyroid gland, which regulates growth, becomes less active. Skin gets dry, and hair and nails become brittle. Other symptoms include lightheadedness, cold intolerance, constipation, and joint swelling. Anorectics who also binge and purge harm their health even more.

The family of the victim may help in the treatment, which include psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, behavior modification, and self-help groups. Therapy generally continues for a year or more on an outpatient basis. However, if there are life-threatening physical symptoms or severe psychological problems, the victim must be hospitalized.

There are no approved medical drugs yet specifically for bulimia or anorexia, but some antidepressants among others are being investigated for this use. If you suspect that a friend or family member is suffering from bulimia or anorexia, you should very caringly point out in a nonjudgmental manner the behavior you have noticed in the person and encourage her to seek medical assistance. If you think you are a bulimic or anorectic, always remember that there are many people like you and that this is only a health problem that needs medical help. To begin with, consult your parents, family doctor, or any well-wishers.

• Janny Raines
• 11/02/2009, 12:59 AM
• 0 Comments