Anorexia Nervosa And Bulimia example essay topic

"For whatever reason, strangers feel they have a right to criticize you and your appearance and behaviors". To my sister, what these people thought meant the world to her. Eating disorders are classified as mental disorders which are understood to have multiple roots, including depression, low self-esteem, sexual / physical abuse history, and a perfectionist attitude. While all of these elements are important to consider, the cultural and societal aspect is arguably one of the most significant factors to observe. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are two of the most recognized eating disorders in North America. Both disorders involve self-destructive conduct that develops from a goal to lose weight.

Anorexia is characterized by starvation dieting, excessive exercising, and an intense fear of gaining weight. Bulimia, though marked by a similar fear of weight gain, is distinguished by episodes of binge eating, purging by vomiting, and excessive exercise possibly with the aid of diet pills. But while there are some similarities between anorexia and bulimia, they are separate problems. There is no single cause of anorexia nervosa, because it's a complex disorder with multiple causes that may be different for every person. From what is known it seems that this is a disorder of many causes that come together to produce the illness. These recognized causes include the nature of the personality of the ill, aspects of his / her family - its members and relationships, and stressful problems occurring outside the home, often at school.

There is an increase risk in families in which there are previous cases of anorexia. This possibly indicates a genetic cause as well. Pressures and conflicts within the family are thought to be the primary cause of bulimia. People with the illness are most often overachievers and perfectionists and feel they can't live up to the expectations of their family and friends.

They may have problems with self-esteem and often suffer from depression. Wanda Jones, a writer for The National Women's Health Information Center, states the countless consequences of these illnesses. "There are many side effects of anorexia nervosa. Girls with anorexia usually stop having menstrual periods; this is a condition called amenorrhea. Anorexia may lead to dry skin and thinning hair. Anorexics may have a growth of fine hair all over their body as a natural defense mechanism against extreme weight loss.

People suffering from anorexia may feel cold and are easily susceptible to illness. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in ten anorexic cases end in death from starvation, suicide or medical complications like heart attacks or kidney failure. Physical problems also include anemia, heart palpitations, bone loss, tooth decay, as well as inflammation of the esophagus. Bulimia can be extremely harmful to the body. The type of purging behavior used can have varied effects on different body systems. Most complications of bulimia result from electrolyte (salt in the blood) imbalance or trauma from repeated purging behaviors.

Self-induced vomiting can erode tooth enamel, increase dental cavities, and create a sensitivity of the teeth to hot or cold food. Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands can occur. Also, repeat vomiting can result in irritation and tears in the lining of the throat, esophagus, and stomach. The misuse of laxatives and diuretics results in the loss of sodium and potassium that can damage the heart muscle, increasing the risk for irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and death" (Jones, screens 3-4). Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are comparable because they both starve the body of nutrients that it requires to function. However, the circumstances of these illnesses are contrasting.

Both illnesses are unexplainable and illogical conditions that affect the mind. People become so caught up in their looks that they do not even see the harm they are doing to their bodies. Although these behaviors seem irrational to people who have never had any experience with anorexia or bulimia, people with these diseases do not realize the severe mental and physical conditions that they are developing.