Реферат: Anorexia Nervosa Essay Research Paper In American

bowel tumors, hypoglycemia, throat infections, and low blood sugar (Pirke &

Ploog, 1984). Psychologically, the anorexic suffers with isolation from others,

mood swings, insomnia, hyperactivity, low self esteem, fatigue, depression,

self-hatred, electrolyte imbalance and loss of sexual desire. 30% of anorexics

will either die from complications due to the eating disorder or commit suicide

as a result of the emotional turmoil caused by anorexia in their lives (Pirke

& Ploog, 1984). Many support groups and associations are helping the fight

against anorexia and other eating disorders. The Anorexia Bulimia Nervosa

Association (ABNA) and the National Association for Anorexia Nervosa and

Associated Disorders (ANAD) are major organizations in the fight against these

disorders. These groups are paving the way for research and new and better

treatments. These groups help in providing family counseling and psychotherapy.

Treatment for anorexia nervosa usually consists of nutritional therapy,

individual psychotherapy, and family counseling. A team made up of

pediatricians, psychiatrists, social workers administers treatment. Some

physicians hospitalize anorexia patients until they are nutritionally stable,

while others prefer to work with patients in a more safe and secure family

setting. The most urgent concern of the physician is getting the patient to eat

and gain weight, this is accomplished by gradually adding calories to the

patient`s daily intake (Cove, Judy). When hospitalized, privileges are sometimes

granted as a reward in return for gaining weight. Individual psychotherapy is

also necessary in the treatment of anorexia to help the patient understand the

disease process and its effects. Therapy focuses on the patient`s relationships

with her family, friends, and the reasons she may have fallen into the trap of

anorexia. As a patient learns more about their condition, they are more often

willing to try to help themselves recover. In treating anorexia nervosa, it is

extremely important to remember that immediate success does not guarantee a

permanent cure. Many times, even after successful hospital treatment and return

to normal weight, patients suffer relapses. Follow-up therapy lasting three to