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Medical
Doctors and Anorexia
Therapy in Philadelphia
Why
is seeing a medical doctor so important with Anorexia? Seeing a medical doctor
is extremely important in the treatment of a person with this disorder because
of the serious medical complications associated with it. Physical effects of
the illness include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Changes in skin and
hair; Skin can become dry and flaky. Skin tone can become yellow or
orange. Hair can become thinner and more brittle. Hair loss is common.
Downy black hair can develop on the face and body.
- Anemia: A deficiency
in the production of Red blood cells.
- Shock: Increased
heart rate, sweating, lightheadedness, and pale complexion... (This is often
fatal. Call 911 or be taken to the closest ER immediately if you or a loved
one has these symptoms)...
- Gastrointestinal
difficulties including delayed stomach emptying, constipation and
bloating...
- Interrupted
development: Due to the affects of malnutrition there is significant risk of
s growth retardation, pubertal interruption, and peak bone mass reduction in
adolescent girls with Anorexia....
- Hypothalamic
Hypogonadism (the loss of sex hormones) causes the loss of menses and
fertility problems. Girls who are Anorexic in pre teen or early teen years
miss crucial stages of breast development. Research shows that even females
who have recovered from Anorexia tend to have a higher rate of miscarriage
during their childbearing years. Their growth (height) is often stunted.
Heart problems: Most deaths
from eating disorders are a result of heart problems. When a person is not
consuming enough calories, the body begins to burn muscle to provide fuel. The
heart is a muscle. As anorexia progresses the heart muscles can become smaller
and weaker. Blood pressure can drop (Hypotension). This is associated with
poor circulation, cold hands and feet, and slow healing of cuts. The pulse can
become slow, and heart rate can begin to beat too slowly or too quickly. Most
heart related mortality from Anorexia is caused by an elevated heart rate.
Written by Jill Cohen, MSW, LCSW
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