Eating disorders are more common in adolescent girls and young women. Anorexia is thought to affect less than 1% of teenage girls and young women, while around 2% of adolescent girls and young women may have bulimia nervosa. Anorexia and bulimia are also becoming more prevalent for older women, either recurring after years of remission, or sometimes occurring for the very first time after age 45. A very small proportion of those with anorexia are male while bulimia numbers may be somewhat higher.

Some people develop eating disorders after a distressing event but this is not the case for everyone. There is no scientifically established cause for eating disorders. Those at risk include people with a family history of anorexia or other eating disorders; a personal or family history of depression, anxiety disorders, or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. People involved in dancing, acting, modeling and athletics may also be at risk of developing anorexia where thinness is important.

Many believe hormones may play a role, particularly since the number of women affected far outweighs the number of men. It is thought that the hormone fluctuations that occur during puberty somehow influences the brain chemistry making girls in this age group more vulnerable to eating disorders. Similiarly women experiencing menopause, where the hormones are working in reverse, can also be at risk.

Signs of anorexia include:

Physical effects of these disorders can be very severe, and in extreme cases may be fatal. Physical problems may include constipation, difficulty in thinking clearly, cold sensitivity, growth of fine downy hair over the face and body, fertility problems, erosion of tooth enamel with tooth decay, brittle nails, swollen salivary glands, osteoporosis (weakened bones), anaemia, and overall weakness, impaired kidney function, dehydration, abnormal heart rhythm, ruptured stomach and seizures.

Both illnesses can be overcome and the sooner the person seeks advice about the condition the better. Recognising these disorders in their early stages and getting effective help early may prevent long-term problems. Treatment may include counselling or other therapy, dietary education for healthy eating, medication to assist severe depression or nutritional supplements if required. A person with anorexia can discuss their personal food and weight beliefs and behaviour with a counsellor or psychologist, who will help them explore the reasons why these may have developed. This can be done in a group situation or in a one on one situation.

Dealing with a family member with an eating disorder can be very difficult for families. Family therapy may assist families to help their affected family member.

Most people with eating disorders are effectively treated in the community. People with complex and severe disorders sometimes require hospitalisation so that their urgent medical and nutritional needs can also be looked after, and their weight returned to a level that is not dangerous to their health. Those with severe weight loss or children and adolescents who are behind in growth may need a specific re-feeding program to reach a healthy weight range.

If you have any concerns that you or your family may suffer from an eating disorder or another mental disorder, it is important that you discuss these with your GP or a mental health professional. By seeking help you may be saving a life and the earlier these conditions are treated, the better the results.

Article #6974

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