Ogarko

Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to simply as anorexia, is a mental illness which falls under the category of eating disorders.  While the term anorexia is thrown about in the media rather glibly, referring mainly to female actresses and models that have a low body weight, it is an extremely serious condition which shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Anorexia nervosa occurs predominantly in young women, and estimated fatality of disorder sufferers approaches 10%.   The condition is a particularly disabling one even in earlier stages, as both physical and mental health can be severely compromised.  The causes of and best treatments for anorexia nervosa are not well understood, and most who suffer from it will relapse even after apparently successful treatment, and may struggle with the disease their entire lives.

The disorder is clinically defined as a patient’s refusal to maintain 15% of their healthy body weight or higher.  In women, it is also characterized by amenorrhea, which is a physical state which impairs fertility.

The psychological effects of the disease are severe, and can cause the sufferer disabling difficulties in personal relationships and functionality, and can cause or exacerbate symptoms of other psychological disorders.  The physical effects are equally severe, leading to malnutrition, osteoporosis, organ failure, and death.