Malorexia: Redefining Anorexia and Malnutrition for the Modern Era.

Anorexia Nervosa: A Complex Disorder

Anorexia nervosa is a multifaceted disorder that involves physical, mental, social, nutritional, and genetic components. Malnutrition resulting from self-starvation contributes to clinical symptoms and makes the recovery process difficult.

The Need for Improved Treatment Models

Current anorexia treatment models often fail to address the nutritional deficiencies that underlie the disorder. A new paradigm for understanding and treating anorexia is necessary, as the current models are characterized by a prolonged recovery process often mired with relapse.

Engaging Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa

Getting individuals with anorexia to engage in treatment is critical for successful recovery. However, many patients may initially reject medical therapy due to their intense feelings of emotional satisfaction from self-starvation. Establishing a working understanding of the disorder that includes both physical and mental aspects is important for engaging patients in treatment.

The Role of Anxiety and Pathologic Fear in Anorexia

Anxiety and pathologic fear play a significant role in anorexia nervosa. Patients experience extreme fear about their body, weight, food, and calories constantly. Restrictive eating behaviors help to soothe their anxieties. Excessive exercise and substance abuse are also common ways to reduce anxiety but only exacerbate the underlying disorder.

The Importance of Nutritional Support

Achieving a healthy body weight is critical for anorexia treatment, but it does not necessarily indicate that the patient’s health issues have been resolved. Nutritional deficiencies underlying malorexia contribute to severe malnutrition and biochemical disturbances in the brain. Treating these deficiencies can help decrease feelings of fear and anxiety and begin the healing process for the starving brain.