Adolescent eating disorder: anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder observed with increasing frequency, especially among adolescent females. No consensus exists concerning the causes of the disorder. Social, psychosexual, family system, biological theories, and the regression hypothesis have been advanced to explain the phenomenon. The major characteristics are 25% loss of body weight, use of various means to lose weight, weight phobia, preoccupation with food, body image disturbances, as well as numerous associated medical conditions: bradycardia, hypotension, dehydration, hypothermia, electrolyte abnormalities, amenorrhea, metabolic changes, and abdominal distress. Anorexic adolescents resist treatment and may die if not cured. The following therapeutic modalities have been effective: hospitalization, and cognitive, behavioral, and family therapy. Some of the typical family patterns, early characteristics, social adjustment problems, and society's contribution to the disorder are presented.