By Pratibha Vashisht
Introduction
Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder in which the individual has a distorted body image and views himself/herself as overweight hence indulging in restricting calories to an extent that can lead to large amounts of weight loss, starvation, and extreme death. Teenagers diagnosed with this psychological disorder not only deal with the challenges associated with this but also experience social, emotional, and mental struggles. This paper aims to discuss these effects in detail and also delve into available treatment options and professional help.
Mental Effects of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is associated with severe impacts, commonly resulting in conditions such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social withdrawal (Staff, 2024). It can instigate a strong preoccupation with body image, leading to harsh self-criticism and a pervasive fear of weight gain (Anorexia in Teens: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers | Teens & Eating Disorders, 2023). The distorted self-perception typical of anorexia often results in a fixation on food, eating habits, and body weight to the detriment of overall mental health (Admin, 2023).
Social Effects of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia can induce feelings of isolation among teens, manifesting as withdrawal from friends and family (Anorexia in Teens: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers | Teens & Eating Disorders, 2023). Teens may develop social anxiety, struggle to form connections, and experience difficulties in social situations, which can lead to deeper social isolation (McGuire, 2023). Research indicates that social skills play a protective role against the development of such disorders, highlighting the importance of nurturing supportive relationships (McGuire, 2023).
Emotional Effects of Anorexia Nervosa
Teenagers with anorexia often grapple with feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and heightened vulnerability to stressors. The emotional toll of living with such a disorder may lead to compulsive behaviours aimed at controlling food intake and body weight, reflecting their struggle to manage negative emotions. Furthermore, the intense fear of gaining weight can foster significant anxiety, further exacerbating emotional distress. (Admin, 2023)
Treatment Options for Anorexia Nervosa
Comprehensive treatment for anorexia nervosa typically involves a combination of talking therapy, nutritional rehabilitation, and supervised weight gain. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is commonly utilised to help teens comprehensively understand their eating habits and feelings surrounding food. Family-based therapy is also emphasised, particularly for adolescents, as involving the family improves treatment outcomes. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary when medical instability is present. (Website, 2024)
Professional Help Resources for Teens with Anorexia Nervosa
Multiple professional organizations provide resources for teenagers suffering from anorexia. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers a confidential helpline, treatment referral services, and support groups. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) also provides peer support communities and directories for treatment providers. (G, 2024) Furthermore, organizations like Eating Disorder Hope offer counseling and educational resources, enabling families and affected individuals to access necessary support and information for recovery (Eating Disorder Hope, 2024).
Conclusion
In summary, tackling anorexia nervosa in teens requires awareness of its mental, social, and emotional ramifications, along with readily available treatment options and professional help to foster recovery.
REFERENCES
Newport Academy Staff. (2024). The Scary Truth About Teen Eating Disorders: Causes, Effects, and Statistics. Newport Academy. https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/scary-truth-teen-eating-disorders/
Delia Aldridge, MD, FAPA, CEDS-C. (2024). Anorexia in Teens: A Guide for Parents & Caregivers | Teens & Eating Disorders. Eating Recovery Center. https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/anorexia-teens-symptoms-health-risks-how-get-help
Jane McGuire. (2023). Social Isolation and Anorexia in Teenagers. Eating Disorder Hope. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/social-isolation-anorexia-teens
admin. (2023). Mental Side Effects of Anorexia | The Bulimia Project. The Bulimia Project. https://bulimia.com/anorexia/health-side-effects/mental-side-effects/
NHS website. (2024). Treatment - Anorexia nervosa. nhs. uk. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/anorexia/treatment/
Ashton G. (2024). ANAD Home | ANAD - National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. anad.org. https://anad.org/
Eating Disorder Hope - Resources for Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating. (2024). Eating Disorder Hope. https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/
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