Sorting fact from fiction: Anorexia Nervosa [video]

Sorting fact from fiction....The truth about Anorexia Nervosa.



Sorting fact from fiction....The truth about Anorexia Nervosa.

Myth - Anorexia is a Lifestyle Choice
Reality - Emulating the behaviours of someone with Anorexia is not the same as having the disease.

Myth - Anorexia is just a Fad Diet
Reality - Anorexia Nervosa is a recognised Psychiatric Illness

Myth - Anorexia is caused by the media and fashion industry.
Reality - The Media and Fashion may be contributing factors but contributing factors are not the same as causal links. Research, although not yet definitive, has shown that Anorexia Nervosa is most likely a Neurobiological illness which also has a probable Genetic link as well. In patients with Anorexia Nervosa there appears to be an excess of the seretonin receptor 5HT1A, which is associated with anxiety, mood disturbances and impulse control and a decreased level of seretonin receptor 5HT which is associated with the regulation of mood and appetite. It is theorised that starvation acts as a form of self medication to try and balance out these irregularities in brain chemistry. Other research has identified a possible causal link between increased levels of the nuerorecptor Dopamine & associated obsessive compulsive behaviour and the identification of a Gene which is believed to predispose someone to Anorexia Nervosa.

Myth - Only women suffer from Anorexia
Reality - 1 in 10 sufferers is male

Myth - Anorexia only effects those in their teens or early 20's
Reality - Children as young as seven and women as old as 70 have been diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa.

Myth - Anorexia Nervosa is a "white disease"
Reality - Anyone of any Race or Background can suffer from Anorexia.

Myth - Anorexia is a modern day phenomenon.
Reality - Anorexia Nervosa was first officially described in Medical Literature by Richard Morton in 1684. It was officially named "Anorexia Nervosa" by Sir Willian Gull in 1874. There are unofficial case histories dating back to Ancient Greek and Roman Times.

Myth - Anorexia will make me Beautiful.
Reality - The physical effects of Anorexia Nervosa include...hair loss, dry scaly skin, excessive hair growth on the body and/or face (Lanugo), poor circulation resulting in blueish extremeties and severe dental damage.

Myth - Anorexia is healthier than being Obese
Reality - Health risks of Anorexia include, Osteoporis, Muscle Atrophy, Seizures, Digestive Difficulties, Liver Failure, Kidney Failuire, Malnutrition, Anaemia, Low Blood Pressure, Cardiac Arrhythmia, Lowered Immune Response and Death, commonly from...Suicide, Heart Failure or Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Stomach Rupture.

Myth - Anorexia Nervosa is not a serious illness.
Reality - Thousands of people worldwide every year die from Anorexia Nervosa

Including...

Amy Leanne Gretner

Died September 2004
Aged 15

Catherine Dunbar

Died January 1984
Aged 22

Samantha and Michaela Kendall

Died October 1997 & April 1994 respectively
Aged 25 and 22

Rudine Howard

Died 1994
Aged 32

Luisel Ramos

Died August 2006
Age 22

Michael Krasnow

Died October 1997
Aged 26

Ana Carolina Reston

Died November 2005
Aged 21

Karen Anne Carpenter

Died February 1983
Aged 32

ANOREXIA RUINS YOUR BODY, YOUR HEALTH & YOUR LIFE
DON"T BECOME ANOTHER STATISTIC.

HELP IS AVAILABLE

For more information visit

http://www.anred.com
http://www.anad.org

or speak to your Family Doctor

Anorexia is a Disease not a Lifestyle. Help Support those with Anorexia Nervosa, Educate yourself about Anorexia.
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