Anorexia or anorexia nervosa to give it is proper name is a kind of eating disorder but is also classed as a psychological disorder as well. As of yet, no one has determined the cause of the condition but there has been plenty of research into the possibilities. Many specialists feel that it is socially linked where the individuals concerned initially feel compelled to become thin and “attractive”. Some research evidence appears to suggest that a specific area of the brain (the hypothalamus), which is responsible for some metabolic processes is to blame while others suggest that hormone imbalance could be to blame. As things stand though, the jury is still out.

Anorexia

Almost 95% of all anorexia sufferers are female, but as you can see from the figures, males can develop it as well. Normally anorexia starts to make itself apparent in adolescents or during the onset of puberty, but it has been seen in both adults and children as well.

What is quite startling about the condition is the fact that in the so-called countries of high economic prosperity, one in every hundred girls of adolescent age has the disorder. Even more interesting is the fact that anorexia is more prevalent in Caucasians than any other racial background and the middle to higher classes of society.

The intrauterine device (IUD), otherwise known as the coil, is a device made from copper or plastic which is placed into the uterus as a form of contraception. Its function is to stop the sperm finding and fertilizing an egg and can also prevent any fertilized eggs attaching to the uterus lining. IUD’s made from copper have an added benefit as copper is a spermicidal (able to kill sperm).

IUD’s are nowadays 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and there are several different types available; each type staying in place for varying amounts of time (some even five to ten years). The advantages of having an IUD inserted are many: once inserted a woman can effectively “forget” about contraception, unlike the pill, for example, where they would have to remember to take it every day; it doesn’t interfere with sexual intercourse; no side effects as it is not an hormonal method; and it doesn’t increase any risk of future cancers.

IUD Intrauterine Device

Most females will have no problems with an IUD, but occasional disadvantages that may occur include: heavy, painful periods; infection of the uterus normally within the first twenty days after insertion; ectopic pregnancy risk should the female become pregnant while wearing a coil; and, damage to the womb.

People with personality disorders may have conditions such as not being able to live with others, not being able to maintain relationships with other people, finding it difficult to control emotions or upsetting other people when distressed.

Causes of personality disorders can include genetic makeup, mental or emotional state or brain problems. There are three types of personality disorder: suspicious, emotional and impulsive, and anxious.

Suspicious personality disorders are where the sufferer is often paranoid of other people, and finds it difficult to interact with others, preferring their own company instead.  The person with a suspicious personality disorder is often seen by others as strange or peculiar.

Emotional and impulsive personality disorders are where the sufferer is indifferent to other people’s feelings and can be quite aggressive.  They often find it difficult to control emotions and will do this spontaneously without thinking about the consequences.  Sufferers will also self harm if they feel really bad about themselves.

Anxious personality disorders are where the sufferer worries about everything.  They are very indecisive and worry constantly about doing the wrong thing.  Anxious sufferers are overly sensitive to criticism and can often feel worthless or incompetent.

There are therapies which can help such as psychotherapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.  There is also medication available to help with the different groups of personality disorders.  Antipsychotic drugs can help those in the suspicious group while antidepressants can help to relieve the symptoms of those in the emotional group.  There are also some antidepressants which have been shown to help those in the anxious group such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

Personality Disorders