Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent food refusal that leads to dangerously low body weight (Durand and Barlow, 2007). It is also characterized by a morbid fear of gaining weight and losing control of one's eating. Anorexia most often begins in a teenager who is overweight or who thinks they are and who then begins a diet. What starts as a simple diet quickly becomes a life-threatening disorder. Dramatic weight loss is achieved through severe calorie restriction or by combining calorie restriction with excessive and severe exercise and/or purging. Anorexia can cause physical complications, emotional and behavioral changes, and can be very difficult to overcome. Anorexia nervosa causes major physical complications that get worse the longer the person suffers from it. The most common attribute is extreme weight loss (Durand and Barlow, 2007). Some complications are not as dangerous as others, such as fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, hair loss, and dry skin (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). Although they are not good, these symptoms are not life-threatening. Other, more dangerous complications can include abnormal blood counts, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, dehydration, anemia, bone loss, gastrointestinal problems, and kidney problems. If a person is severely malnourished, every organ in the body can be damaged, perhaps irreversibly. The most serious cases can lead to death. Anorexia nervosa also causes emotional and behavioral characteristics. Some of the emotional changes that may occur include fear of gaining weight, lack of emotion, social withdrawal, irritability, and depressed mood (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). Behavioral changes include refusing to eat, lying about how they have...... middle of paper ...... but people in their life. Anorexia causes many dangerous side effects, as well as emotional and behavioral changes, and can be very difficult to overcome. More research needs to be done to uncover the causes of anorexia to help prevent it. The exact causes are still unknown (Mayo Clinic staff, 2012). According to some theories, the cause is a combination of environmental, biological and psychological factors. Anorexia has become a serious problem among young people today. This is a disorder that can lead to death if left untreated. We need to know more so we can prevent and treat anorexia and save lives.ReferencesMayo Clinic Staff. (January 5, 2012). Anorexia nervosa. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia/basics/causes/con-20033002Durand. and Barlow, (2007). Essential elements of abnormal psychology. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning.