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Anorexia Nervosa – Characteristics & features



Anorexia nervosa is otherwise known as anorexia is an eating disorder which is a disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight. People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with their lives.

There is a strong connection between emotions and behaviour when discussing about Anorexia Nervosa.


Given below are a few aspects that affect individuals with regards to Anorexia nervosa:


1. There is a wrong concept of food that the individual has, believing that food is fattening therefore the individual stays far away from it. This has nothing to do with the type of food like vegetables or with meat but more about the connection with the idea of ingesting food and it leading to a consequence. This is the case with food in general. The individual doesn’t consider the physical value of food and the need for it to help him have the energy to conduct his affairs.


2. There is a deep feeling of being fat, this is not in connection to how thin they actually are, however this is a raging thought which eats the individual away. It upsets the individual, even though no one has told them that they look fat. This is a thought the client has come to believe for themselves about themselves.


3. A false thinking that there is no problem that needs to be worried upon is another issue that individuals with this condition can struggle with. There is a denial from the individual that there is a serious issue with regards to food. The individual thinks that all is okay and there is nothing to worry. This delusion will only take them so far.


4. Not being able to accept any sort of correction or concern shown by relatives. Care for the individual in this case is more towards the fact that family needs to accept the individual as they are.


5. A morbid routine for exercise and food. This will be attached with an obsession towards the whole routine. The individual is more concerned with each kilo and engaging in excessive exercising is with the impression that even that 1 kilo can be controlled with the excessive exercising. This individual will always be checking their weight repeatedly.


6. There will be a sharp withdrawal from parties and social gatherings. This however can lead to depressive thoughts. This also leads to a very critical nature, viewing all things with criticisms.


7. Interestingly individuals who struggle with this condition will be obsessed with weight gain and food. They are constantly thinking about what they ate and what they are going to eat. The individual will spend a lot of time thinking of food. The conversations between friends or family would all lead to food at the end.


8. There will be a lot of depressive thoughts that this individual can battle and this will inevitably lead to lack of self-worth and confidence. When the client is unable to control the food and the thoughts it affects the client in a negative manner. This depression can consume the individual where there is no other thoughts going on for the client. This will sorely affect the quality of life for the individual.


Read about Anorexia Bulimia in the next article - Click here

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