This is one the difficult diseases to diagnose. The main reason behind this is non-acceptance of the patients. There are so many websites which promote thinness. These websites would often include the ads and testimonials of the famous celebs and try to lure the youth in such practices of weight loss.
This leads to anorexia. The anorexics don’t actually consider themselves as being affected. The most common symptoms of the disease at the initial stage are the weight loss; this is probably the same thing that most of these people are after.
There are least chances of an anorexic seeking medical help at the initial stage. Most of these people are brought for the treatment when there is a considerable loss and there are medical complications.
Even at this stage most of the patients won’t accept the fact and may not co-operate. This is mainly due the psychological misfit of these people which doesn’t allow them to accept that they are suffering.
It is, therefore, more feasible to enquire from the family members and friends etc. about the complications and the background. This actually gives a clearer picture and helps one to get and insight. The doctors would then be sure of anorexia.
The most primitive symptoms or signs of this disease include the zest for thinness. As well wishers of your loved ones you must smell something fishy in utmost interest of someone to be thinner. These people start skipping meals and taking very less food. These are initial warnings and more attention should be paid to these.
The important things in the diagnosis of anorexia are:
- The person doesn’t maintain the normal body weight and tries to lower it well below the expected weight. There is a specific height and weight ratio. And if the weight is maintained below 85% of the prescribed rate, it should signal towards anorexia.
- Such people have been seen to be excessively focusing on the weight loss. They seem to be over possessed with the idea of slimmer body and weight loss. If there is any such condition with any of your loved ones it may be anorexia.
- Anorexics have very great fear of weight gain. They are over cautious about obesity and have often found to be avoiding desserts and the like stuff even with friends and mates.
- A girl, having crossed the menstrual age and misses three successive periods in a sign of anorexia. And also there is no need of administering a hormone to start the menstrual cycle.