$Unique_ID{BRK01125}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Concerned Parents Should Know About "Anorexia Nervosa"}
$Subject{anorexia nervosa weight diet diets dieting Mental Emotional
psychological behavior behaviors counseling Antidepressants anorexic
anorexics}
$Volume{E-23, E-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Concerned Parents Should Know About "Anorexia Nervosa"


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QUESTION:  We are greatly upset by a daughter that continues to diet long
after there is any real need to do so.  We know it is a disease but want to
know if there are treatments that can change her ways and stop her from
starving herself to death.  Please tell us what concerned parents should know.

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ANSWER:  The young woman who has "anorexia nervosa" starves herself for
reasons that she claims are related only to maintaining a slim figure.  The
reasons for her actions go much deeper, and require professional help to
understand and treat.  Sadly, some of these young women are not reached until
they do serious harm to their bodies, and some of them even die.  Some young
men have anorexia nervosa, but the disease is far more common in young women.
     The cause of anorexia nervosa is not well-understood, and thus the
treatment for it varies widely.  Many researchers feel that anorexics feel a
lack of control in their lives, therefore they control one aspect of it by
limiting their food intake.  This not only controls their weight, but it also
gains the attention of those around them.  Often this attention is not
achieved by any other method, so the "sick" behavior is unintentionally
rewarded by increased concern from loved ones and medical professionals.
     Some physicians believe the disease should be treated with psychological
counseling, including the entire family.  A therapist should be chosen
carefully, ensuring that sufficient experience with anorexic patients and
their families is present.  Others believe a more medically-based treatment
program is effective.  Antidepressants have been found to be helpful to
anorexics, because they are almost always depressed.  Any medication,
however, must be used in a carefully supervised program that takes all the
many elements of this complex disorder into account.  The bottom line is that
the condition can be cured, and that a supportive, understanding family can
help bring about a speedy recovery.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.