Is your Child Anorexic?
Posted by Medical Fan - 23/12/08 at 02:12 amIS YOUR CHILD ANOREXIC?
EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE SYMPTOMS OF ANOREXIA AND HELP YOUR CHILD
Because of its widespread occurrence, anorexia has not just become a medical condition but also a psychological condition. A lot of studies have now been made about this condition and people have been informed of the anorexia symptoms.
Anorexia is characterized by the intense need to lose weight to avoid getting fat. People with anorexia go to extremes, even up to the point of self destruction, to avoid gaining weight. Unfortunately, no matter how much weight is lost, there is still that addictive need to lose some more.
Anorexia symptoms may include obsession with food. Though some anorexics enjoy cooking and sharing their recipes, they seldom eat themselves. They may think about food but they do not think about taking it in. Also, anorexics have noticeable bizarre eating patterns. They choose not to eat in public places and beg off during meal times. They may chew the food they have but spit it out after.
There are also physical anorexia symptoms. These include dry, chaffed skin that when pinched, stays pinched even when released. They also show signs of dehydration. They experience abdominal pains, constipation, lethargy, fatigue, emaciation and intolerance to cold temperatures. There may also be a development of lanugos, which are fine downward body hairs and yellowing of the skin. Plummeting blood pressure and loss of menstrual cycle may also be present.
Psychologically, anorexics may become withdrawn, moody and irritable. Worse, depression may also kick in. Sleeping disorder also develops and becomes frequent.
Since anorexia has already become a national concern, there are lots of information dissemination campaigns being done recently. It is important for parents to be informed of the anorexia symptoms as the most commonly affected age bracket of this condition are female teenagers aged between 13 and 20.