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Anorexia That's what we should know about the very dangerous eating disorder
After the death of 29-year-old Henriette Hömke, the subject of "anorexia" has become more and more popular these days. The former partner of the Schalke footballer Ralf Fährmann had died in April during a holiday as a result of the eating disorder. Anorexia is one of the most dangerous mental illnesses - but it is often underestimated. Experts inform about the alarm signals and give tips on where to find help and relatives.
More than 8,000 sufferers in inpatient treatment
The former "Miss Saxony" Henriette Hömke died at the age of only 29 years as a result of her years of anorexia. Anorexia (Anorexia nervosa) represents the most widespread eating disorder in Germany. According to the Federal Statistical Office, a total of 8,079 patients were fully inpatient due to anorexia in 2015.
If you have anorexia, you need professional help from a psychotherapist as soon as possible. (Image: tunedin / fotolia.com) Great panic before weight gain
A key feature is that sufferers are very afraid of gaining weight and thus tightly controlling their food or non-food and weight. A so-called body disorder is typical: those who suffer from anorexia no longer realistically perceive their own body. Even those who have lost weight significantly overestimate their body circumference and feel that they are too fat.
If the disease has been around for a while, the body is remarkably thin. For the massive weight loss everything is done: less eaten, excessively sports driven or laxatives taken, often everything together. It's all about food, weight and figure.
Calorie tables are studied and certain rules and rituals for food intake are introduced. At the beginning, sufferers often forego high-calorie foods only, and then whole meals later. In some cases even drinking is stopped, according to the information from the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA).
Genetic predisposition to eating disorders
There are some personality traits and biographical aspects that can help to assess the risk of developing eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa. An international research group, for example, recently showed that anorexia can be innate.
In addition, many sufferers have a very high demand on their own performance. Often they rank among the best in class or are extremely ambitious in their studies or profession. They are constantly comparing themselves and doubting themselves. But even as it gets more and more difficult as the disease progresses, they manage to achieve good results for a long time.
BMI indicates limits for underweight
In an anorexia, the body weight of the person concerned is at most 85 percent of what the expert view for the appropriate age and size is considered "normal weight". This is defined by Body Mass Index (BMI), which results when the body weight (in kilograms) is divided by the square of the height (m²). For adults, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, underweight is below 18.5 if the BMI is below 18.5 and underweight is therefore seriously underweight.
Doctors need to take a closer look at children
In children and adolescents, however, the BMI alone does not say much. Because with them, physique and composition change during growth. Sometimes they grow in height, then again more in width, in addition, the muscle and fat components are distributed differently in the course of development in boys and girls. Since a low body weight does not say much on its own, doctors in younger patients need to use growth curves to check whether anorexia is present.
Massive physical and emotional consequences
The organic and emotional consequences of anorexia can be serious. The younger the person concerned, the less he / she weighs and the faster the weight drops, the more massive the impact. Often, cardiovascular disorders such as low blood pressure and a drop in body temperature occur. Those affected quickly freeze, the skin becomes brittle and appears bluish. Also brittle nails, water retention and a fine hair fluff on the back, arms and face (Lanugobehaarung) are typical.
Due to hormonal changes, the menstruation is often absent. Potency disorders can occur in boys and men. It is still possible growth disorders by the reduction of muscle mass in children and adolescents, osteoporosis, stomach and intestinal complaints, brittle teeth, constipation and flatulence.
Those affected fall into a vicious circle
Anorexia sufferers believe that gaining weight through weight loss is more "perfect" and more love, attention and recognition. This thinking becomes independent during the course of the illness, the addiction to being thin becomes more and more intense, and those affected fall into a vicious circle: if the desired positive reaction to losing weight remains, it is attempted to maintain it by further starvation. Every gram that comes back leads to anxiety and panic attacks.
Affected people need psychotherapeutic help
This vicious circle can no longer be broken by its own efforts; those affected need psychotherapeutic help as quickly as possible. No time should be lost here, as anorexia is one of the most dangerous mental illnesses. In up to 20 percent of those affected, the craving for being thin ends up deadly. The fight against the disease often lasts many years, the sooner the treatment begins, the better the chances of a favorable prognosis.
Building trust and not criticizing
If an anorexia is suspected, BZgA experts advise parents and friends to be careful and prudent. So you should avoid criticism of eating behavior and the figure and do not make a self-diagnosis, because heavy weight loss can also organic causes such. have a hyperthyroidism, explains the BZgA. Accordingly, parents should visit a medical practice with their child as early as possible. It is important not to exert pressure, but to build trust, to observe the child and to remain in conversation.
Relatives or friends should try to motivate those affected to seek professional help themselves, advises the BZgA. For example, parents could leave the choice of doctor to their children, and from the age of majority, they should decide for themselves whether to go to the office alone or in company. (No)