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Best Anorexia Treatment Methods

Posted by awiopian at Sunday, October 12, 2008
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After medical and psychological tests it is time to treat the disorder. Often this is a very difficult path for any patient, emotionally and physically. Treatment methods that could be used are:


Psychotherapy

Different types of therapy such as Individual, family and group therapy may all be beneficial for anorexia sufferers. Individual therapy could possibly help a person to deal with the behavior and thoughts that contribute to anorexia. Cognitive behavior therapy is most commonly used. This is a type of therapy in which thought patterns are changed.
Medical care
Because of all the medical complications caused by anorexia, people with the condition often need to have their vital signs checked. Often a doctor will keep a close eye on the hydration levels of the body and the condition of the patient's skin.
Nutritional therapy.
A dietician can offer guidance and a healthy diet plan. As the symptoms of anorexia wear off, the patient will need to learn how to follow a healthy eating plan instead of seeing food as an enemy.

Is it Possible to Prevent Anorexia?

Paediatricians can possibly recognize the early signs of anorexia in people. If this is the case they can be helpful in preventing the development of a full-blown illness. These professionals can ask questions about eating habits and can keep track on the physical appearance of a person. If you know someone who might be suffering from anorexia, try talking to them about your concerns or speak to a trained professional about your worries.

Guidelines for Dealing with Anorexia

If you suffer from anorexia, these steps could help you:

It is important to talk to your doctor about any mineral supplements. Your body might not be getting all the nutrients it needs. Don't be embarrassed or ashamed to speak to a doctor

Stick with your treatment. If you have trouble following your meal plan, talk about it, but don't dismiss or stop using the plan.

Make sure to not isolate yourself from family and friends who want to help you get healthy. Understand that they have your best interest at heart.

How to Cope with Anorexia?

It can be very difficult to cope with anorexia when you keep seeing messages by the media, culture, and perhaps your own relatives or friends focusing on weight loss and being thin. How can you possible cope with this disorder and the symptoms of anorexia if you are being told that being thin is a sure sign of success?

Keep reminding yourself about the healthy weight for your body

Do not visit any pro-anorexia Web sites on the Internet. Anorexia is a disease ad not a lifestyle.

Acknowledge that you are not be the best judge of your own food habits at this point in time.

Look for positive healthy role models, even though they can be hard to find.

With these suggestions you might be able to help yourself or find help for a friend or relative suffering from this destructive disorder. The signs of anorexia are not always clear but eventually anorexia symptoms will surface if a person is suffering from this eating disorder.

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Are You Starving Yourself to Slim Down? You Could Be Suffering From Anorexia

Posted by awiopian at
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Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder as well as a psychological disorder. Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond dieting and the signs of anorexia can be hard to interpret and understand.

A person with anorexia symptoms might initially start dieting to lose weight. With anorexic people losing weight turns into an issue concerning the control or fears relating to one's body.

Does Anorexia Lead to Other Complications?

The effects of anorexia can cause many different physical and mental problems. Some heath threatening side effects of this disorder are:

1. Infertility caused by the absence of menstruation due to hormonal abnormalities.

2. Bone loss. As the body gets fewer nutrients than it really needs and hormonal imbalance shakes the body's system of regeneration, bone loss or bone damage may occur.

3. Anemia. Due to a lack of nutrients in the body a person suffering from anorexia may develop anemia, a lack of iron in the blood that will cause a feeling of weakness, tiredness and overall inability to function or perform physical activity.

Impact of Anorexia on Pregnant women

If a woman does not get treatment for anorexia and regain her normal weight before she gets pregnant there is a very high risk of miscarriage as the body can have difficulty providing nutrients for the foetus. Also, the anorexic body is suffering from fluctuating hormone problems if a person is anorexic. If an anorexic woman gets pregnant, urgent anorexia treatment is needed for the foetus to develop healthily.

The Differences between Anorexia and Bulimia

The main difference between anorexia and bulimia is the fact that people suffering from anorexia starve themselves, avoid high-calorie foods and have the urge to exercise constantly. People with bulimia eat huge amounts of food, but they throw up soon after eating, or take laxatives or diuretics to not gain any weight. People with bulimia tend to not lose as much weight as people with anorexia.

Two Categories of Anorexia

There are two main different types of anorexia but these two types can sometimes overlap. The two types are:
Restricting Anorexia
People suffering from this type of anorexia lose weight because they are severely limiting the amount of food they eat. They also try to lose weight by exercising excessively.
Binge-eating anorexia/purging
People suffering from this type of anorexia are trying controlling their weight by getting rid of food or calories by vomiting after a meal or they misuse laxatives, diuretics or enemas. Some of these people possibly eat excessive amounts of food, and then purge. Others purge after eating a small amount of food.

Symptoms of Anorexia

There are many, often disturbing, signs and symptoms of anorexia. Some of the best identifiable symptoms are:
  • A thin appearance.
  • Abnormal blood counts noted by a doctor.
  • Fatigue.
  • Dizziness or fainting.
  • Brittle nails.
  • Hair that gets thinner rapidly, breaks or falls out.
  • A very dry skin.

Causes of Anorexia

It is hard to pinpoint one particular cause of anorexia. As every person is different, every anorexia sufferer has a different reason for their disorder. Some causes are:
Biological Reasons
Some people are genetically more vulnerable to developing anorexia than others. Anorexia facts show that quite often women with a relative suffering from an eating disorder are at higher risk. Genetics could cause a tendency toward perfectionism, sensitivity and perseverance, which are all associated with this disorder.
Psychological Reasons
People with anorexia often have psychological and emotional characteristics that could cause anorexia. A sense of low self-worth, for instance, could trigger people into developing anorexia.
Sociocultural Reasons
The modern world has reinforced an image of thinness that equals beauty upon us. Success and worth are often equated with being thin, causing people with problems or a low self-esteem to develop anorexia. This is one of the most common anorexia causes.

Diagnosis of Anorexia

If a doctor suspects a possible case of anorexia, the following tests are often used to determine whether a patient is suffering from illness or anorexia:
A physical exam
This type of exam could include measuring height and weight; checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; checking the skin for dryness or other problems; listening to the heart and lungs; and examining the abdomen.
Laboratory tests.
Blood counts may be done to check for traces of protein in the blood and the liver, kidney and thyroid functions will be tested.
Psychological evaluation
A psychological test might be done to assess the thoughts, feelings and eating habits of a potential anorexia patient. Psychological self-assessment tests and questionnaires are also used. sometimes.

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Hair Loss Treatment In Women

Posted by awiopian at
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There are several ways to treat female hair loss with different hair loss products, some commonly used methods are:


Medication
Minoxidil, a topically applied solution stimulates hair growth if the hair follicle is small and not producing hair. This product is FDA approved for treating both male and female hair loss. Anthralin, another treatment, alters the immune function in the affected skin and is an approved psoriasis treatment.
Surgical procedures
If medication does not have any effect, a doctor can help refer you to a hair specialist for hair implants. This is a procedure that is often performed in a few different sessions under local anaesthetic.

Click here for more information on surgical hair restoration.

Head Massage
Head massage is said to stimulate the hair follicles and hair growth, producing new hair growth after only a few sessions. This treatment is quite experimental and success is never guaranteed.

Are Estrogens Prescribed by Physicians to Treat Hair Loss in Women?

Oral and topical estrogens are prescribed by physicians to treat hair loss for women although there are no controlled studies to support this use of estrogen. The hormone is said to regulate hair growth when hair loss is caused by a hormonal imbalance.

How to Cope with Hair Loss?

It can be very challenging to have to cope with hair loss problems. As female baldness is often not socially accepted, women suffering from this problem sometimes also develop a lack of self-esteem or embarrassment due to the problem. What steps can you take to be able to deal with your hair loss problem?

Get an idea of the cause of your baldness and available treatment options. Speak to as many doctors and professionals as you can and don't be scared to ask for a second opinion. Your looks and hair are part of your image in the outside world and if you feel unhappy because of your hair loss nothing is more important than finding the right treatment or help for you. Check out both regular and alternative medicine options and decide what's best for you.

Educate those near you. Let people know that female baldness is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is it anything that you can change at will. Women suffering from hair loss don't have to be old or ill to experience this problem. If you feel up to it, get in touch with women with the same problem, for example on the Internet.

Don't experiment. Experimenting with any hair growth formula that you can buy anywhere might do more damage to your scalp and only a professional can assess the problem and suggest the right treatment for your hair and scalp.

Female hair loss can often be helped with the right hair loss treatment. Getting advice and finding out what your options are will help you back on your way to healthy hair.

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Hair Loss Among Women - It is not as Simple as it Sounds

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Usually women do not expect to have to cope with female hair loss even if there is a history of hair loss in their family, with males or females. The general belief tends to be that baldness is a problem for males, not for women. Female hair loss is only accepted when women are old and it is hard to find a hair loss treatment specifically aimed at females.


Types of Hair Loss
There are three main types of hair loss (alopecia) in women. These types are:

Androgenetic alopecia

This is a type of inherited pattern hair loss and it is the most common cause of permanent hair loss in both women and men.

Alopecia Areata

This type of hair loss occurs because the immune system is attacking the hair follicles

Traumatic Alopecia

This type of hair loss is caused by braiding or chemically treating the hair. Hot rollers and other appliances can damage the hair to an extent that the hair follicles will stop producing hairs, causing baldness. This treatment is commonly used to stop hair loss.

Causes for Hair Loss in Women

The cause of female hair loss is different for every woman and sometimes it is possible to stop hair loss by, for example, not using a specific hair treatment product or method anymore. Other causes for female hair loss are:

Poor nutrition. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals in your diet might cause hair loss.

Certain types of medication can cause hair loss. If you are using medication and you are experiencing hair loss, contact your doctor.

A scalp infection can be the cause of (temporary) hair loss.

Damaging hair treatments with acids or heat can damage the hair and follicles to an extent where hair will stop growing.

Diagnosis of Hair Loss in Women

A doctor can diagnose your hair loss on the basis of (for example) medical history. Other facts on which a diagnosis can be based are:

Regularly checking the pattern of your hair.

A hair biopsy (the hair will be checked in a laboratory).

Blood tests can help a doctor find out if the hair loss is caused by a medical condition.

Continue to: Hair Loss Treatment in Women

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Best Ways for Treating Women in Depression

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Treating depression in women or women in depression commonly involves psychotherapy and antidepressants, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Both are equally effective with mild to moderate depression with psychotherapy being especially well adapted to depressive issues arising from given thought patterns and interpersonal relationships.


Cognitive behavior therapy coupled with the use of antidepressants can help women to alter the behaviors at the root of their depression so that they can ultimately go off the medication and cope quite well.


What are Some Tips for Dealing with Depression?

Exercise is a powerful remedy against depression. The body's natural endorphins, elevated by a good workout, will naturally improve your mood. At the same time you can help yourself to be happier, you will also be getting physically healthier.

Avoid the use of alcohol, sedatives and antihistamines which cause a "loggy," drugged feeling. Eat less protein and fat in favor of fruits and vegetables. Make sure you're getting plenty of Vitamins B6 and C.

Investigate some form of guided meditation, for instance disciplines involving patterned breathing. Learning an active mechanism for the control of anxiety and panic attacks will significantly decrease subsequent episodes of depression.




Don't isolate yourself. Ruminative thinking gets worse when you are alone. Spend time with family and friends and develop a support system. Everyone needs a friend or counselor with whom they can share both their joys and their sorrows.


In a depressive state, avoid making major, life-altering decisions. If you are tempted to do so, discuss the idea with a trusted friend or perhaps your minister. Force yourself to allow time to "sleep on" the idea.

Many women report that developing some aspect of spiritualism helps them to feel more grounded and able to weather the ups and downs of life. For some this may take the form of prayer, for others a regimen of yoga. Do what feels right for you, even combining disciplines if that gives you maximum benefit.

Is Research on Depression and Women Ongoing?

Better research is being conducted about the complex factors that go into the development of depression in women. A woman's hormonal fluctuations are unique to the individual and usually can not be treated with a "blanket" approach. In other words what works for one woman may not work for another.

Simply honoring the uniqueness of your life and your problems and combating them in a positive, affirming way in keeping with your belief and comfort levels is one of the greatest steps forward in dealing with depression. By keeping yourself informed, reading new research findings, and educating yourself about any therapies proposed by a health care professional, you are taking charge of your overall health and well being which is exactly what you should do.

Depression in women is a far more common disorder than most people realize. Left unaddressed the condition can negatively influence a woman's life and her interpersonal relationships. A feeling of defeat, however, should not overwhelm women and depression issues. These problems can be effectively overcome in an empowering way.

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Depression does not Cure by Itself! Attend To It

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Depression in women occurs twice as often than in men and can appear at any stage of life. Women from all socio-economic, racial, and educational backgrounds may be affected. As researchers gather more data concerning women and depression and come to better understand its role in their lives, the root causes seems to be an interplay of genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, and life events.



What are the Symptoms of Depression?

Women who are experiencing depression don't just feel sad, they feel miserable. Most report extreme fatigue and a total absence of energy. The smallest tasks seem impossibly daunting. Anxiety attacks are common with depression and women as is reclusive, anti-social behavior.

Women in depression have trouble concentrating and feel they are failures and a burden to others. These feelings in turn lead to a sense of guilt and an inability to see a future. The depressed person may exhibit anger or irritability, often expressing a sense that life is unfair and passing them by. Insomnia is a common symptom and physical aches and pains for no apparent reason are also common.

What are some of the Causes and Risk Factors for Depression in Women?

Certain events in a woman's life put her at special risk for depression including puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, substance abuse, relationship disruptions, and trauma. The presence of depression puts these women at further risk for suicide and death from illnesses caused by poor self-care and reduced attention to medical regimens.

Recent research indicates that major depressive episodes cluster in families. If you have a parent or sibling who has battled the disorder, you too are at increased risk. With the onset of puberty, the normal monthly cycle, pregnancy, and menopause a women experiences hormonal surges and disruptions that effect neuromodulators like serotonin. Depression and anxiety can result.

More than 80 percent of documented cases of depression in women are preceded by some adverse event ranging from childhood sexual abuse to spousal abuse. Early trauma, which is often suppressed for long periods of time, can actually have a more pronounced depressive effect than more recent events.

Statistics of depression in women have also revealed that women are more prone to ruminative thinking, a mental pattern which repetitively and passively focuses on symptoms, causes, and consequences. With relationships more central to a woman's sense of self than a male's, the combination of this emphasis and the ruminative thought pattern often leads to extended periods of depression focused on interpersonal relationships.

Don't Antidepressants have Side Effects?

Approximately 30 to 35 percent of individuals who take antidepressants are not helped by the medications. Although the drug companies assert that SSRIs like Prozac are not addictive, anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise. Many women report significant weight gain while taking SSRIs and Prozac has been found to actually cause suicidal behavior in some individuals.

You should never take an SSRI without fully understanding its range of potential side effects and potential interactions. If you are taking an SSRI do not go "cold turkey" off the drug. Gradually discontinue the use of the medication under the supervision of a doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms, a sudden onset of depression, and even nerve damage. (There are also numerous natural and alternative remedies for depression that do not carry the same risk factors and side effects.)


Continue to: Best way of Treating Women in Depression

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