What Is Anorexia?
Anorexia nervosa is a severe disorder of eating habits accompanied by a self-imposed limitation of consumption, a severe panic of excess weight, and delusional perception of the body image. In the absence of treatment it may result in serious physical and mental health problems.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Family history of eating disorders or other mental health issues
- Societal or media pressure to be thin
- Personal traits such as perfectionism or high achievement orientation
- Stressful life events, trauma, or major life changes
- Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or obsessive compulsive tendencies
- Participation in activities or sports that emphasize weight or appearance (e.g., gymnastics, ballet)
Signs and Symptoms
- Marked weight loss or refusal to maintain a healthy weight
- Intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight
- Preoccupation with calories, fat content, and dieting
- Distorted body image'seeing oneself as overweight when underweight
- Skipping meals, hiding or hoarding food, or making elaborate food rituals
- Physical complaints such as fatigue, dizziness, feeling cold, or hair thinning
How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Anorexia?
Dr. Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
He examines your dietary habits, physical workouts, weight history and any form of psychological stresses or past traumas.
Mental Health Assessment
A mood, anxiety, and body image concerns assessment and a subsequent analysis of mental health-related conditions.
Blood Tests
Far-reaching laboratory tests are done to determine the levels of vitamin and minerals, to check organ functionality, and hormonal equilibrium to eliminate other causes.
Bone Density Scan
In the event of necessity, a scan tests the health of bones in order to reveal early signs of osteoporosis or low bone mass because of malnutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anorexia?
Anorexia is a disorder that has an extreme worry of increasing body weight and a false body perception resulting in limited food consumption. Dr. Rishi Chadha is part of GastroDoxs in Houston, a place where he diagnoses and treats gastrointestinal complications associated with anorexia.
Is anorexia a purely mental health problem?
Although it is a psychiatric disorder, anorexia has an impact on the digestive system, liver, and metabolism, in general. Dr. Chadha treats the medical effects using special treatment.
What are the digestive problems associated with anorexia?
Patients can get bloating, constipation, nausea, as well as delayed emptying of the stomach (gastroparesis). Dr. Chadha analyzes them and provides helpful treatment.
Is it possible that anorexia harms the liver?
Yes. Extreme dieting of calories may result in fat changes of the liver or irregular liver enzymes. Dr. Chadha pays close attention to the liver functioning of the affected patients.
Does anorexia have an impact on the bowel habits?
Yes. There is constipation which occurs because the gut motility and intake of food are low. Dr. Chadha advises that patients should obtain individualized dietary and hydration programs to enhance the state of the bowel.
Which tests is ordered by Dr. Chadha?
He can order blood tests, liver tests and abdominal ultrasound as well as upper GI tests to evaluate the nutritional condition and the organ functionality.
What kind of treatment does Dr. Chadha provide?
The treatment is aimed at the restoration of the gut form and GI symptoms management. Dr. Chadha collaborates with mental health specialists and dieticians to provide full care.
Is the gut capable of recuperating after anorexia?
Yes. The digestive system can be healed with slow re-feeding and medical assistance. Dr. Chadha assists in supervising the process of recovery in a safe manner.
Does it have nutritional counseling?
Yes. Dr. Chadha collaborates with registered dietitians in the field of eating disorders recovery and GI health in GastroDoxs.
How do I make an appointment with the doctor, Dr. Chadha?
This is because you can book appointment at GastroDoxs in Houston in our office or online. Dr. Rishi Chadha is a caring and skilled practitioner who treats anorexia patients with digestive problems.