Anorexia means lack of appetite; it is a psychological illness that is characterized by marked
weight loss. Adolescent girls are primarily affected and it occurs in approximately 0.2 to 1.3
percent of the general public (Hobbs & Johnson, 1996). Individuals that are affected by anorexia
nervosa are so preoccupied with dieting and limiting food intake that they can reach the point of
starvation; they may look healthy but are fading away on the inside. We are going to explore the
myths, misconceptions and treatments of the illness along with available treatments, how the
illness is diagnosed and what tests and professionals are involved in the treatment of the illness.
According to the Web4Health website “In 1684 Anorexia Nervosa was described for the first
time, but it was not until 1870 that it became identified and described with its own diagnosis.” In
the early 1970’s the American media began to write about anorexia. On February 4, 1983 the
music industry lost 3 time Grammy winner Karen Carpenter to anorexic nervosa. In 1984 a
popular TV show “Saturday Night Live” performed and episode about anorexia and what an
anorectic cookbook could look like. As time goes on more and more people become more aware
of the effects of anorexia nervosa.
A couple of the most common myths and misconceptions about anorexia are;
Myth: Anorexia is incurable.
Truth: While anorexia can cause both physical and psychological issues, it can be treated successfully. (Fabiola, 2006).
Myth: Anorexics do not eat.
Truth: Anorexics do eat, they restrict their food intake to vegetarian like diets. (Fabiola,
(2006).
Neurotransmitters are produced, stored, and released from neurons, or nerves
cells, within the central and peripheral nervous system. Voluntary and involuntary
physical and psychological processes, such as heart rate and blood pressure,
behavior, emotions,...