The eating disorder of anorexia can cause multiple complications including death due to the lack of proper nutrition and excessive weight loss. In some cases even after receiving treatment for the disorder, these complications remain as they are irreversible.
In many cases of anorexia this disorder is fatal as often times the individual refuses to seek treatment because they are in denial that anything is wrong or by the time treatment is received the anorexia has progressed to such a stage that the damage to the body is irreparable.
The Physical Complications
During the self-starvation of anorexia, the body becomes malnourished which affects all the major organs and this damage is often times irreversible. The body's electrolyte levels become low which include, sodium, potassium, and chloride. The condition of anemia can also occur as well as bone loss which greatly increases the risk for breaks or fractures even later on in life.
Female anorexics may not have their menstrual cycle or it may become irregular, while males may experience a decrease in testosterone levels. Gastrointestinal problems are also common and include bloating, nausea, and constipation. The major organs are also affected which include the kidneys and heart. Abnormalities in heart rhythm may be experienced and in some cases heart failure can occur.
The Psychological Complications
The majority of individuals with anorexia may have or develop serious mental disorders which can include "OCD" or "obsessive-compulsive disorder". This includes obsessive thoughts that can intensify the symptoms of anorexia with even more of a compulsion to control food. Anxiety and depression also commonly occur in anorexics.
Some individuals also develop sever personality disorders as well as a substance abuse problem. Many of the complications associated with anorexia can be fatal which is why it is essential that anyone struggling with this disorder receives immediate and continuous medical treatment.
