Eating Disorder's Medical Complications:
Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse,
Personality Disorders
Medical Complications Medical complications can frequently be a
result of
eating disorders. Individuals with eating disorders who use
drugs to stimulate vomiting, bowel movements, or urination may be in
considerable danger, as this practice increases the risk of heart
failure.
In patients with
anorexia, starvation can damage vital organs such as
the heart and brain. To protect itself, the body shifts into "slow
gear": monthly menstrual periods stop, breathing, pulse, and blood
pressure rates drop, and thyroid function slows. Nails and hair become
brittle; the skin dries, yellows, and becomes covered with soft hair
called lanugo. Excessive thirst and frequent urination may occur.
Dehydration contributes to constipation, and reduced body fat leads to
lowered body temperature and the inability to withstand cold.
Mild anemia, swollen joints, reduced muscle mass, and
light-headedness also
commonly occur in anorexia. If the disorder
becomes severe, patients may lose calcium from their bones, making them
brittle and prone to breakage. They may also experience irregular heart
rhythms and heart failure. In some patients, the brain shrinks, causing
personality changes. Fortunately, this condition can be reversed when
normal weight is reestablished.
In NIMH-supported research, scientists have found that many patients
with anorexia also suffer from other psychiatric illnesses. While the
majority have co-occurring
clinical depression, others suffer from
anxiety, personality or
substance abuse disorders, and many are at risk
for suicide.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an illness
characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors, can also accompany
anorexia. Individuals with anorexia are typically compliant in
personality but may have
sudden outbursts of hostility and anger or
become socially withdrawn.
Bulimia nervosa patients--even those of normal weight--can severely
damage their bodies by frequent binge eating and purging. In rare
instances, binge eating causes the stomach to rupture; purging may
result in heart failure due to loss of vital minerals, such as
potassium. Vomiting causes other less deadly, but serious, problems--the
acid in vomit wears down the outer layer of the teeth and can cause
scarring on the backs of hands when fingers are pushed down the throat
to induce vomiting. Further, the esophagus becomes inflamed and glands
near the cheeks become swollen. As in anorexia, bulimia may lead to
irregular menstrual periods. Interest in sex may also diminish.
Some individuals with bulimia struggle with addictions, including
abuse of drugs and alcohol, and compulsive stealing. Like individuals
with anorexia, many people with bulimia suffer from clinical depression,
anxiety, OCD, and other psychiatric illnesses. These problems, combined
with their impulsive tendencies, place them at increased risk for
suicidal behavior.
People with binge eating disorder are usually overweight, so they are
prone to the serious medical problems associated with obesity, such as
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Obese individuals
also have a higher risk for gallbladder disease, heart disease, and some
types of cancer. Research at NIMH and elsewhere has shown that
individuals with binge eating disorder have high rates of co-occurring
psychiatric illnesses--especially depression.
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comprehensive information about Depression, visit our
Depression Community Center
here, at HealthyPlace.com.
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