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Anorexia Nervosa

The purpose of this paper is to discuss Anorexia Nervosa, as well as to describe the physical changes and physiologic manifestations of this psychological disorder. This paper aims to show the various etiologies of anorexia. The pathway to diagnosis of the disease will be briefly presented. This paper will also highlight a specific treatment option for Anorexia Nervosa and appropriate nursing interventions in treating this disorder. In addition to nursing interventions there will be family interventions to help treat and prevent Anorexia Nervosa.

Pathophysiology

Anorexia Nervosa is a physiological eating disorder in which a person self starves in order to become thin. These people have an overwhelming fear of gaining weight and therefore they do not eat. According to recent research (Archives of General Psychiatry 2006; 62:305-312) “genetic factors account for more than half of the risk of developing Anorexia Nervosa”. Temperament also may play a role in those who develop anorexia. Some of these may include, but are not limited to, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Sensitive Avoidant Disorder. “New research suggests that people predisposed to these psychiatric disorders are more likely to develop Anorexia Nervosa”. (Eating Disorders



Review. Nov/Dec 2002). Studies reported in the New England Journal of Medicine (3/03) indicate that for some people, but not all, “heredity is an important factor in the
development of obesity and binge eating”. Now there are suggestions that “women who develop Anorexia Nervosa have excess activity in the brain’s dopamine receptors, which regulate pleasure. This may lead to an explanation of why they feel driven to lose weight but receive no pleasure from shedding pounds”. (Journal of Biological Psychiatry; July 2005. Guido Frank, et al.). Once a person starts a pattern of not eating and over excessive exercising the...