People with anorexia nervosa often have low self esteem and believe they will feel better about themselves if they control their diet and weight. There is much debate about what causes anorexia nervosa. Some psychiatrists believe that women with this disorder want to keep their childhood shapes because they do not want to grow up. Others suggest that anorexia is a true phobia or fear of becoming fat, or that it is due to changes in body chemistry or hormonal changes that affect appetite and weight. Anorexia can start when someone who is overweight loses weight successfully, but then feels compelled to continue losing weight because of feeling fat.
Some people use vomiting or laxatives to produce weight loss.
Anorexia nervosa can be life-threatening, but it can also be cured. Often out-patient treatment can reverse the problem if begun early enough. In addition, anti-depressant medications may be used in the early stages of treatment. Once a healthy weight has been achieved, counseling may need to be continued for months or years, as a return to old eating and dieting habits is common, especially when under stress. Many anorexics continue to show symptoms of the disorder even after they are out of the hospital.