Anorexia is an eating disorder, marked by an extreme fear of becoming overweight, that leads to excessive dieting to the point of serious ill-health and sometimes death. There are many symptoms with anorexia, the most common are red or purple hands and feet, constipation, dizziness, sleep deprivation and delayed puberty. The long term effects can be infertility, osteoporosis and damage to the heart.
The direct translation of the medical name 'anorexia nervosa' means loss of appetite for nervous reasons. But in fact you don't lose your appetite if you have anorexia - you just don't allow yourself to satisfy your appetite.
Those suffering with anorexia, develop a distorted idea of their body shape and size. It is most common in teenage girls, although the illness can manifest at any age and in any gender.
For those with severe anorexia, it is vital that they receive appropriate treatment. If untreated, the condition can be life-threatening due to health problems such as starvation, dehydration, infections and heart failure.
At The Referral Network our purpose is to help individuals with anorexia to find a clinic to re-establish a healthy attitude towards food and a steady pattern of eating. We also offer Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and our experienced, competent and compassionate team also sensitively addresses other unresolved emotional and psychological issues which so often underline eating disorders.
It is possible to fully recover from anorexia but it may be a long process, but with determination, patience and support it can be done.