And Fear Anorexia nervosa is a syndrome of self-induced starvation, exhibiting an intense fear of fatness, and a disturbed perception of body image. It was diagnosed 100 years ago but is more prevalent in our thin-oriented society. Ninety percent of anorectics are female.
Females usually develop irregular menstrual cycles.
Other body changes that can occur are a cold intolerance, low blood pressure, heart irregularities, mild anemia, an electrolyte imbalance, brittle hair and nails, abdominal pain, and water retention. She may come from a high achieving family and feel that the diet is one way she can take control of her personal life. Male anorectics tend to be involved with sports such as wrestling. There is no known cause for anorexia nervosa. It arises from intertwined biological, familial, psychological, and sociocultural factors.