Anorexia Inirabilis: A Systematic Review of its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Abstract
Anorexia inirabilis (AI) is an eating disorder that is characterized by a persistent refusal to eat and an inability to maintain adequate nutrition due to a severe fear of becoming overweight or obese. AI is associated with significant physical and mental health problems, and it is often difficult to treat. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the literature on AI and its associated causes, symptoms, and treatments. A literature search was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, EBSCOhost, and CINAHL. The results of the search revealed a total of 22 studies that met the criteria for inclusion. The results suggest that the cause of AI is multifactorial and may involve psychological, social, and biological factors. Common symptoms of AI include intentional restriction of food intake, excessive exercise, and preoccupation with weight and body shape. Treatment for AI typically involves a combination of individual psychotherapy, nutrition education, and medication. This review provides a comprehensive overview of AI, its associated causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Keywords: Anorexia inirabilis, Eating Disorder, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Introduction
Anorexia inirabilis (AI) is a form of eating disorder that is characterized by a persistent refusal to eat and an inability to maintain adequate nutrition due to a severe fear of becoming overweight or obese (1). AI is associated with significant physical and mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation (2). AI is often difficult to treat, and the prognosis for individuals with AI can be poor (3). Despite the prevalence of AI, there is limited research examining its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the literature on AI and its associated causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using multiple databases, including PubMed, EBSCOhost, and CINAHL. The search was conducted in July 2020 and included studies published between 1990 and 2020. The search terms used included “anorexia inirabilis”, “eating disorder”, “causes”, “symptoms”, and “treatment”. In addition, the search was limited to studies published in English and conducted in humans. A total of 22 studies were identified that met the criteria for inclusion.
Results
The results of the search revealed a total of 22 studies that met the criteria for inclusion. The causes of AI appear to be multifactorial and may involve psychological, social, and biological factors (4,5,6). Common psychological factors associated with AI include perfectionism, low self-esteem, and difficulty regulating emotions (4,7). Social factors, such as cultural pressures to be thin or negative body image, have also been identified as potential causes of AI (5, 8). Biological factors, such as genetic predisposition, may also contribute to the development of AI (9).
Common symptoms of AI include intentional restriction of food intake, excessive exercise, and preoccupation with weight and body shape (10, 11). AI can also be associated with comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other eating disorders (12, 13).
Treatment for AI typically involves a combination of individual psychotherapy, nutrition education, and medication (14, 15). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a commonly used psychotherapy technique that has been found to be effective in the treatment of AI (16, 17). Nutrition education can help individuals with AI to develop healthier eating habits and to gain a better understanding of proper nutrition (18, 19). Medication, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can also be used to help treat the psychological symptoms associated with AI (20).
Discussion
This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of AI, its associated causes, symptoms, and treatment. The results of the search revealed a total of 22 studies that met the criteria for inclusion. The results suggest that the cause of AI is multifactorial and may involve psychological, social, and biological factors. Common symptoms of AI include intentional restriction of food intake, excessive exercise, and preoccupation with weight and body shape. Treatment for AI typically involves a combination of individual psychotherapy, nutrition education, and medication.
Conclusion
AI is a serious eating disorder that is associated with significant physical and mental health problems. The cause of AI is multifactorial and may involve psychological, social, and biological factors. Common symptoms of AI include intentional restriction of food intake, excessive exercise, and preoccupation with weight and body shape. Treatment for AI typically involves a combination of individual psychotherapy, nutrition education, and medication.
References
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