In striving for perfection and approval, a person with anorexia may begin to diet in order to lose just a few pounds. Dieting does not stop there, however, and an abnormal obsession with weight and appearance. The patients professes a lack of hunger or satiation after only a bite or two of food. While these individuals can look normal and be socially adept, this serious disease is a pattern of behavior that is difficult to break. The Profile of the Anorexic Estimates suggest one in 200 American girls between the ages of 12 and 18 will develop the condition.
Anorexics lack self-esteem and feel they are making themselves more attractive.
This detachment from their reality and the denial of their condition are hallmarks of the condition. Analysis shows a common thread in that families are normally loving and nurturing on the surface, but that disguises the fact other family members are intrusive and controlling, and overly dependent on each other. They are conflict avoiders and unable to recognize serious problems. Early warnings for the condition include withdrawal, obsessive-compulsiveness and depression. Clearly, there is a distorted view of reality.