What is Anorexia?
Anorexia is an eating disorder, a condition that can be identified by food restriction and irrational fear of weight gain. This may result in excessive weight loss and a person experiencing a poor self-body perception. Usually, anorexia develops in early childhood or adolescence, however, both men and women can experience it at any age.
Anorexia can affect a person’s mental and physical health and potentially can be life-threatening. Initially, a person may feel an overwhelming sense of control by restricting their food intake, this may start as a normal diet but can soon spiral out of control. After a period of time, it may become evident to a person that in fact they have lost control of their illness as their fears and anxieties around food and weight gain become unmanageable.
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Signs & Symptoms Of Anorexia
People experiencing Anorexia may experience a number of both physical and behavioural symptoms.
Physical Symptoms
Some of the physical symptoms of Anorexia include:
- Severe mood swings; depression
- Lack of energy and weakness
- Slowed thinking; poor memory
- Dry, yellowish skin and brittle nails
- Constipation and bloating
- Tooth decay and gum damage
- Dizziness, fainting, and headaches, palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath
- Growth of fine hair all over the body and face
- Weight loss
- Anaemia
- Swollen joints
- Osteoporosis
- Impaired immune system
- Physiological symptoms:
- Low self-esteem
- Mood swings
- Depression and irritability
- Difficulties with concentration and memory loss
- Denial about being underweight, fear of weight gain
- Distorted body image
- Preoccupation with food and calories intake
- Urge to be in control
- Difficulties eating around others / in public places
Behavioural symptoms
Some of the most common behavioural signs and symptoms of Anorexia include:
- Not eating
- Excessive exercise, calorie counting, monitoring weight
- Eating/exercising in secret
- Binge eating
- Purging, misuse of diuretics, diet pills or appetite suppressants, self-induced vomiting.
- Isolation, withdrawal from friends and family
- Controlling behaviour
- Fainting / dizzy spells
- Wearing baggy clothes
- Self-harming
You may feel that Anorexia has a hold over you, but with the right support and the will to want to change, you can overcome the illness and learn to manage to eat normally and develop healthier attitudes about food and your body.
At Serenity Addiction Centres we provide a safe environment with a team of empathetic, caring individuals that will empower you on your route to recovery. We offer one to one counselling support, family support, nutritional advice, relaxation therapies and techniques, advice and information on health and well being.
Following your initial assessment, you will be provided with an individualised programme that is suitable for your needs. We believe in identifying the root cause of the problem. Our therapeutic programme will offer a wide range of treatment options, providing a total mind, body and soul experience. Allowing you to explore your inner self and lead a more fulfilling lifestyle.
We understand that making the decision to commit to rehab can be difficult, you can schedule a tour at one of your local rehab centres to see the available facilities, resources and environment. This can help you with taking the first steps towards your rehabilitation.
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FAQs
How do I know I have an eating disorder?
The chances of recovery increase the earlier an eating disorder is treated. These are the most common signs you have an eating disorder.
- Giving too much priority on weight loss
- Eating unhealthy for losing weight
- Extreme concern with body size and shape
- Frequently bothered by flaws in appearance
- Extreme mood swings
- Stomach cramps and other gastrointestinal problems
- Menstrual irregularities
- Difficulties to concentrate
- Feeling coldness frequently
- Sleeping problems
- Dental problems
- Muscle weakness
- Poor wound healing
What eating disorders are treated in Serenity Addiction Centres?
- Anorexia
- Bulimia Nervosa
- Compulsive Overeating
What treatments are available for an eating disorder?
- Eating disorder rehab
- Intervention
- Counselling
- Group Therapy
- Rehab facilities
Where is anorexia treatment available?
We have private rehab and detox clinics all across the UK to help you on your journey to recovery. Click Here to find rehab centres & facilities near you.
How much does anorexia treatment cost?
For more information on how much eating disorder treatment costs, please click here.
How can I get started with eating disorder treatment?
The best way to get started is to give us a call at 0800 118 2892 for free advice and assessment. Let us help you or your loved one figure out the best treatment plan for your alcohol addiction so you can get started on your journey to recovery.
