Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by deliberate weight loss induced and sustained by the patient, and body image distortion, propelled by a phobia of gaining weight. Typical symptoms include voluntary weight loss by restricted dietary choice, excessive exercise, induced vomiting and purgation, and use of diet pills and diuretics, amenorrhea, blotchy or yellow skin, depression, low blood pressure, and loss of fatty tissue. AN is a complex condition that most likely results from psychological, neurobiological, and sociological factors, and is most commonly seen in adolescent girls and young women. However, adolescent boys and young men, children approaching puberty, and older women may also be affected.
Treatment of the condition initially involves immediate weight gain. This may be difficult, since most patients refuse to take food. Psychotherapy is an important component of the treatment strategy. Recent reports have pointed out that zinc supplementation of the diet plays a major role in managing the disease, probably due to an increase in effectiveness of neurotransmission in the amygdale. AN has a high mortality rate, with the most common causes of death being cardiac arrest, electrolyte imbalances, and suicide. Although experienced treatment programs have a good success rate in restoring normal weight, relapse is common.