Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder diagnosed based on the observation of physical, psychological and behavioral criteria. It has serious consequences both physically and psychologically.

HOW IS ANOREXIA NERVA DIAGNOSIS MADE?

The doctor diagnoses anorexia nervosa based on internationally recognized diagnostic criteria indicated in classifications (ICD or DSM).

PHYSICAL CRITERIA:

• Slowed growth or body mass index curve that bends in children and adolescents.
• Weight at least 15% below normal (or a BMI below 17.5 for people over 15 years old).
• Delayed puberty, or cessation of menstruation for at least three months or irregular periods for young girls who already have periods.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL CRITERIA:

• Avoidance of "fattening foods", most often associated with induced vomiting, use of laxatives, excessive exercise, use of "appetite suppressants" or diuretics.
• Altered perception of one's own body weight or shape, excessive influence of body weight or shape on self-esteem or denial of the seriousness of existing thinness.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ANOREXIA NERVA?

Anorexia is a complex disease of multifactorial origin. It often occurs during adolescence, a particularly difficult period when the body changes and self-confidence is tested. Several factors are often implicated:

• Sociocultural factors: fashion, society's demands for thinness and performance, imitation phenomena between adolescents. People who live in an environment where the body is idealized (high-level athletes, dancers, etc.) are more at risk of suffering from eating disorders. However, these sociocultural factors are never the only ones responsible.
• Individual, genetic and psychological factors: Personal weaknesses linked to the environment and the development of the individual. Anorexia can occur following a trauma such as the death of a loved one or sexual abuse. Perfectionists or people with low self-esteem would be more affected.
• Physiological and psychological processes identical to those of drug addiction: anorexia nervosa and bulimia are now considered behavioral addictions (or addictions without a product). Restrictive behaviors, draconian diets or intense physical exercise could be gateways to addiction.

WHAT CAN BE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR HEALTH?

Food deprivation and vomiting lead to nutritional deficiencies, in proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Problems such as episodes of falling blood pressure, malaise, loss of consciousness, hair loss, a permanent feeling of being cold, insomnia, edema of the feet and legs, nails that become brittle and skin that becomes dry often accompany anorexia nervosa. In the event of vomiting, the teeth can be affected (tooth enamel that becomes fragile, becomes brittle, cavities, inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth, loosening) as well as the digestive system (constipation, inflammation of the esophagus due to vomiting). Muscles become sources of energy and are "eaten" by the body. Bones become decalcified. The heart, brain, liver, kidney and stomach are eventually affected. Some damage, particularly osteoporosis, is irreversible.

DOES ANOREXIA NERVES CHANGE PERSONALITY?

In the absence of food, the body produces molecules called ketone bodies that cause a kind of euphoria. The feeling of self-control can also be euphoric at first. However, over time, the distorted perception of oneself, the feeling of loss of control and the guilt that often follow binge eating attacks lower self-esteem and affect the personality. People who suffer from anorexia nervosa can be hyperemotional, change moods frequently, self-harm, feel very anxious, depressed or even suicidal. They are more often subject to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression affects more than half of them at some point during the illness. The body weakens, concentration and attention decrease, the brain "disconnects". The disease also distances one from others and has an impact on love life, social life, and work.

Anorexia nervosa is the most deadly mental health disorder. About 5% of people die from the disease or suicide. It mainly affects teenage girls and young women, aged 12 to 20, but sometimes also affects children or men and women of all ages. Infertility, libido and erectile dysfunction are then among the consequences of the disease.