Anorexia nervosa: A literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa is a food intake disorder characterized by acute weight loss that it could cause severe psychosomatic problems. Purpose: To present the data and information as well as the treatment related to Anorexia nervosa. Materials and methods: The study material consisted of reviewed articles on the topic found in Greek and globally accepted electronic databases, Pubmed, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, regarding the effects of Anorexia nervosa on health and its treatment. Results: Initial symptoms of Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa may be characterised by body-related negative interpretation bias, distorted body image and pronounced body dissatisfaction. Anorexic patients refuse to eat with their family or in public places. They lose weight by drastically reducing their total food intake, with a disproportionate reduction in the amount of meals containing carbohydrates and fats. The term Anorexia is unfortunate, because a decrease in appetite does not occur. Patients are constantly hungry and they are constantly thinking about food, but they refuse it. An indication of their way of thinking is that they often collect recipes or prepare complex meals for others. Conclusions: Anorexia nervosa is a disease that connects the physical with the mental dimension of health. A person's disharmonious relationship with oneself, which may have its roots in a dysfunctional family context or in a demanding and competitive social environment, finds the way to be manifested through the individual's reflection on food.