Anorexia Nervosa - An Eating Disorder
31.05.12
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction 3-4
2. Definitions and Change of Concepts 4-5
3. Causes and Characteristics 5-7
4. Effects on Families and Social Life 8
5. Forms of Therapy 9
6. “Pro Ana” and “Thinspiration” 9-12
7. Prevention and Campaigns 12-13
8. Conclusion 13-14
9. Sources 14-16
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Introduction
The eating disorder ‘Anorexia nervosa’ is a disease; people who suffer from it have an extreme fear of gaining weight.
The name itself is of Greek origin, an- (prefix, negation) and orexis (appetite). Although the word literally means “loss of appetite”, nevertheless many anorexics do not lose their appetite although they starve for becoming thinner.
The most common characteristics of this mental illness are the fear of gaining weight, an excessive restriction of food leading to a reduction of weight, a distorted sense of self and often depressions. Campaign to demonstrate the distorted self-image of anorexics2
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For the person concerned it is a vicious circle; people usually cannot break away from it without professional help.
According to a study by the University of Jena, Thuringia, 29% of women between the ages of 12 to 32 and 13% of men within the same age rage already show early symptoms of contracting Anorexia nervosa.3
It should be mentioned that Anorexia nervosa does not exist in Third World countries.
Definitions and Change of Concepts
It is difficult to respond to the question of how Anorexia nervosa can be defined. Opinions differ and the concepts have changed over the years.4
The term “Anorexia Nervosa” was introduced by Sir William Gull in 1874, while the first diagnostic criteria were established by Dally in 1969 and after that by Feighner et al. in 1972.5
The most common and approved definitions have been published by the American Psychiatric Association under the name “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM). Its concept has also
1
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 3-4
2. Definitions and Change of Concepts 4-5
3. Causes and Characteristics 5-7
4. Effects on Families and Social Life 8
5. Forms of Therapy 9
6. “Pro Ana” and “Thinspiration” 9-12
7. Prevention and Campaigns 12-13
8. Conclusion 13-14
9. Sources 14-16
2
Introduction
The eating disorder ‘Anorexia nervosa’ is a disease; people who suffer from it have an extreme fear of gaining weight.
The name itself is of Greek origin, an- (prefix, negation) and orexis (appetite). Although the word literally means “loss of appetite”, nevertheless many anorexics do not lose their appetite although they starve for becoming thinner.
The most common characteristics of this mental illness are the fear of gaining weight, an excessive restriction of food leading to a reduction of weight, a distorted sense of self and often depressions. Campaign to demonstrate the distorted self-image of anorexics2
3
For the person concerned it is a vicious circle; people usually cannot break away from it without professional help.
According to a study by the University of Jena, Thuringia, 29% of women between the ages of 12 to 32 and 13% of men within the same age rage already show early symptoms of contracting Anorexia nervosa.3
It should be mentioned that Anorexia nervosa does not exist in Third World countries.
Definitions and Change of Concepts
It is difficult to respond to the question of how Anorexia nervosa can be defined. Opinions differ and the concepts have changed over the years.4
The term “Anorexia Nervosa” was introduced by Sir William Gull in 1874, while the first diagnostic criteria were established by Dally in 1969 and after that by Feighner et al. in 1972.5
The most common and approved definitions have been published by the American Psychiatric Association under the name “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM). Its concept has also