Eating Disorders

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Eating Disorders

Introduction

Eating disorders are classified in the group of mental disorders that involve a change in the normal feeding patterns in humans. The various eating disorders include Bulimia nervosa and Anorexia nervosa. These disorders, when left unchecked, could lead to serious health problems and even death. The disorder is mainly common among the youth who delve into the habit due to either psychological reasons or the sensation of sweet food. When the predisposing factors merge with the stressors and pressures, one is bound to start the cycle and the subsequent formation of an eating disorder.

Effects

The change in the feeding patterns compounded with poor exercise patterns has adverse effects to persons with eating disorders. These habits usually end up causing serious damage to the physical and health conditions of the ailing person. The anorexia and bulimia association advises that practices associated with eating disorders will lead one into having medical complications. Individuals who suffer from eating disorders are found to be engaging in strenuous over-exercising regardless of their sate of health (Anorexia and Bulimia Association, 58).

Persons ailing from eating disorders normally have imbalances in the levels of electrolytes thereby causing gastrointestinal problems. This problem is mostly evidenced in bulimics whose constant vomiting mainly propagates this problem. The electrolyte levels in the body are imbalanced during vomiting. This is because most of the electrolytes are dissolved in the vomit and hence are lost in the process. This leads to fatigue, muscle spasms and unsynchronized heartbeats. When a person vomits repeatedly, the lining of the alimentary canal from the stomach up is eroded leading to sores and bleeding of the esophagus.

A study conducted by the Missouri Department of Mental Health indicates anorexia, which is termed as severe fasting, deprives the body of the necessary nutrients leading to health complications. These complications include; shrinkage of vital organs, uncoordinated heartbeats, imminent heart failure, and subsequent infertility. When some of these symptoms are not taken care of in due time, the effects could be fatal. Studies indicate persons who suffer from eating disorders also suffer from a myriad of mental and emotional problems. The ailing persons often exhibit changes in their personality, which include; anger outbursts, isolative or withdrawal behavior and depression. When these emotional and psychological problems compound with the physical problems, the eating disorders can lead to permanent defects or death.

Treatment

Persons ailing from eating disorders are in need of urgent help for efficient and effective recovery from the habit. This however, cannot be accomplished on their own but by well-trained personnel in the field of nutrition and psychology. Research shows that persons who try to stop the habit on their own usually exhibit recidivating behavior. This is because the ailment is a complex compound of both physical and psychological abnormalities. This makes it necessary for such persons to seek help from trained therapists. The overruling goal in every therapy session is to enable the individual return to normalcy. Proper treatment of the ailment involves treating both the physical habits and the psychological aspects. Under complete recovery, the person is supposed to have established a healthy exercise and nutritional pattern (Bryant, & Lask, 54).

Conclusion

In conclusion, we find that eating disorders are founded on psychological, biological, and social factors. A person who has eating disorders such as anorexia will exhibit malnutrition coupled by feelings of depression and anxiety. The individuals are bound to have changes in their personality whereby the individuals become either reserved, have anger bouts or other emotional abnormalities. The effects of unchecked eating disorders could lead to permanent defects or even fatalities. It is therefore necessary for such individuals to seek professional help mainly from trained therapists. Under proper medical attention, the individual is bound to return to a healthy nutritional pattern.

Works cited:

Anorexia and Bulimia Association (ANAB). Eating disorders. May 1, 2005. Web. November 6, 2011. <http://www.phe.queensu.ca/anab>

Bryant-Waugh, & Lask, Bidden. Eating disorders: A parent’s guide. New York: Brunner-Routledge, 2004. Print.