Eating
Disorders are a Physical Hhealth as well as a Mental Health Issue
Anorexia,
bulimia and binge eating disorders are classified as psychiatric illnesses.
The
development of eating disorders involves a complex interaction of factors
including personality, genetics, environment and biochemistry. Many people with eating disorders also suffer
from other psychiatric illness such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive
compulsive disorder. The eating
disorder behaviors can lead to physical conditions. Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and
development, approximately 90% of adult bone mass will be established during
adolescence. Osteoporosis can begin
early in both girls and boys who are dieting or suffering from anorexia. A long period of starvation or semi-starvation
stunts growth, can delay the onset of menstruation and
can damage vital organs such as the heart and brain. One in 10 cases of anorexia leads to death
from starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications or even suicide. Don’t think that because you are “only doing this a few times a week or a month” you are not at risk. Outward
appearance or length of behaviors does not dictate the amount of risk or danger
you are in.
The
vomiting that often accompanies bulimia can erode tooth enamel and damage the
esophagus. Using laxatives as a form of
purging can result in stomach and colon damage.
Both anorexia and bulimia can cause fluid and electrolyte abnormalities,
including dehydration and deficiency in potassium resulting in muscle weakness,
irritability, apathy, drowsiness, mental confusion and irregular heartbeats.
We
have included terminology that might be heard during a determination of an
eating disorder by either a physician or a psychologist or other trained
professional.
Malnutrition-caused by under eating or
overeating. The word means deficiency for energy, protein
and micronutrients. It can cause severe
heart risks, respiratory infections, kidney failure, blindness and death.
Dehydration-caused by the lack of
fluid intake in the body.
Restriction, vomiting, laxative abuse are the primary reasons in people
with eating disorders. The symptoms are
dizziness, weakness, and dark urine.
Again this can lead to kidney failure, heart failure, seizures, brain
damage and even death.
Electrolyte Imbalances-electrolytes are necessary
to the production of the body’s ability to ensure healthy teeth, joints and
bones, nerves and muscles impulses, kidney and heart function, blood sugar
levels and the delivery of oxygen to the cells.
Hyponatremia-is related to water
loading. Drinking to much water can
cause hyponadremia, with too much fluid going to the
lungs, the brain to swell, nausea, vomiting, confusion and even death.
Lanugo-soft
baby fine downy hair on the face backs and arms. This is due to the body’s protective
mechanism to help keep the body warm during periods of starvation and
malnutrition and the hormonal imbalance that result.
Edema-swelling of the soft
tissues due to an excess water accumulation. This is usually in the legs and feet and in
the abdominal area.
Muscle Atrophy-wasting away of muscle and
decrease in muscle mass do to the body feeding off itself.
Callused or bruised fingers-this is caused by
repeatedly using the fingers to induce vomiting.
Dry skin, hair loss, brittle
nails-caused
by a lack of vitamins and minerals due to malnutrition and dehydration.
Low blood pressure-caused by lowered body
temperature, malnutrition and dehydration. This
can cause heart arrhythmias, shock or myocardial infarction.
Orthostatic Hypotension-sudden drops in blood
pressure when sitting up or standing. Symptoms include dizziness, blurred
vision, passing out, heart pounding and headaches.
Ketoacidosis-high levels of acids that
build up in the blood caused by the body burning fat to get energy. It can be a result of starvation, excessive
purging, dehydration, and hyperglycemia.
It can lead to coma and death.
Amenorrhea-loss of menstrual cycle
due to lack of hormone secretion, osteopenia and
osteoporosis.
Dental Problems-decalcification of teeth,
gum erosion, erosion of teeth enamels severe decays and gum disease. This is caused by a lack of vitamin D; exposures
to stomach acid due to repeated and prolong vomiting.
Infertility-the inability to have
children caused by loss of menstrual cycle and hormonal imbalances. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can
also make it impossible to carry a baby full term, and increase the risk of
birth defects.
All of these listed are real
and dangerous physical possibilities when suffering from an eating
disorder. One mother told us that her
insurance would pay for the results of her daughter’s eating disorder but would
not pay for in-patient, residential eating disorder treatment.
