Anorexia (symptom)

Anorexia

Anorexia in Medical Context

The most common form of anorexia is simply satiation following the consumption of food. This happens in all normal humans and is called postprandial anorexia. It is important and healthy as it prevents overeating and obesity.

Common disorders that cause (harmful) anorexia include anorexia nervosa, severe depression, cancer, dementia, AIDS, and chronic renal disease and the use of certain drugs, particularly stimulants and narcotics. Environmentally induced disorders, such as altitude sickness, can also trigger an acute form of anorexia. Anorexia may also be seen in congestive heart failure, perhaps due to congestion of the liver with venous blood.

Although the presenting symptom (the one which prompts a patient to seek medical attention) in acute appendicitis is abdominal pain, the presence of anorexia is required to make the final diagnosis.

Some medications, antidepressants for example, can have anorexia as a side effect. Most notoriously, however, chemicals that are a member of the phenethylamine family are known to have more intense anorectic properties. For this reason, many individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa seek to use these medications as a crutch. Such prescription medications include Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, and Desoxyn. In some cases, these medications are prescribed to patients prior to undergoing an operation requiring general anesthesia. This is a prophylactic measure taken to ensure no food will back up into the esophagus and cause the patient to stop breathing during the procedure.

Anorexia, derived from Greek "α(ν)-" (a(n)-, denoting absence) and "όρεξη (orexe)" meaning appetite, refers to the decreased sensation of appetite. Often confused with anorexia nervosa, a subtype, anorexia can result from various causes, ranging from benign to serious health risks. This article provides an in-depth look at anorexia, its causes, associated disorders, and the effects of certain medications.

Definition and Types

Anorexia is a symptom characterized by a lack of appetite. While it can be a normal physiological response, it may also indicate underlying health issues. Types include:

• Postprandial Anorexia: Normal satiation following food consumption.
• Pathological Anorexia: Decreased appetite due to diseases or disorders.

Common Causes and Disorders

Various conditions can lead to anorexia, including:

• Anorexia Nervosa: A serious eating disorder characterized by self-starvation.
• Psychological Disorders: Such as severe depression.
• Chronic Diseases: Including cancer, dementia, AIDS, chronic renal disease.
• Acute Illnesses: Like acute appendicitis, where anorexia is a diagnostic symptom.
• Environmental Factors: Altitude sickness can trigger acute anorexia.

Medications and Anorexia

Certain medications can induce anorexia as a side effect:

• Antidepressants: Known to reduce appetite.
• Phenethylamine Family: Includes stimulants like Ritalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, and Desoxyn, which have strong anorectic properties.
• These medications are sometimes misused by individuals with anorexia nervosa and may also be used preoperatively to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosing anorexia involves:

• Evaluating the patient's medical history.
• Identifying underlying causes or associated conditions.
• Imaging and lab tests may be needed in some cases.

Management depends on the underlying cause and may include nutritional support, psychological therapy, or treating the primary disease.

Implications and Treatment

Treating anorexia requires addressing the root cause:

• Nutritional counseling and support for eating disorders.
• Treating underlying medical or psychological conditions.
• Monitoring and managing side effects of medications.

See Also

• Eating Disorders
• Appetite
• Psychiatry

References

• Davis, C. P., & Roberts, M. (2022). Anorexia: Clinical Perspectives and Management. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 56(5), 408-415.
• Thompson, J., & Smith, K. (2023). Medication-Induced Anorexia: Risks and Management. Pharmacology Today, 47(2), 95-102.

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