Anorexia

Abstract

This paper examines studies which deal with trying to find both the psychological and physiological symptoms of anorexia. It focuses on how anorexia sufferers deal with the issue of stress and their response to it.

From the Paper

"Characterised by a denial of food, Anorexia Nervosa is a nervous disorder primarily centered on a distorted body image (eg. they see themselves as overweight when infact they are below average body weight for their height). This disproportionate perception of themselves interferes with their normal everyday functioning through regimented diets, extreme exercise and in some instances purging (Rosenweig et al, 2002). Other psychological symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa (anorexia) include an intense fear of weight gain and refusal to maintain a normal body weight. These psychological symptoms are magnified by physiological symptoms such as low blood pressure, potential heart damage, weight loss of approximately twenty five percent, and in women amenorrhea (inability to menstruate) (Davison & Neale, 2001). With a higher frequency in females than males (ten to fifteen times) anorexia is a devastating disorder that can sometimes result in death. Although anorexia has an unclear etiology risk factors do include family conflict, sexual disturbances and stress; however, these are entirely correlational to onset (Davison & Neale, 2001)."

American society women are given the message starting from a very young age that in order to be successful and happy, they must be thin. Eating disorders are on the rise; it's not surprising given the value which society places on being thin. Television and magazine advertising show the image of glamorous and thin models are everywhere. Thousands of teenage girls are starving themselves daily in an effort to attain what the fashion industry considers to be the ideal figure. An average female model weighs 23% less than the recommended weight for a woman. Maintaining a weight 20% below your expected body weight fits the criteria for the emotional eating disorder known as anorexia

Adolescence is considered to be the stage of greatest risk for the development of eating disorders because of the combination of physical and psychological challenges during this time. Weight and shape concerns are extremely prevalent and commonly lead to dieting and the potential