Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that characterized by low weight and body image distortion with a huge desire to lose weight and fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa has a different effect to the patients it may different to adolesents and in adults.

Anorexia nervosa usually starts in teenage years, most of them are female. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. For many individuals with anorexia, the destructive cycle begins with the pressure to be thin and attractive. A poor self-image compounds the problem.

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:
1. Extreme dieting, including skipping meals or extended fasting.
2. Self-esteem that depends on weight and appearance.
3. Skin dryness or flakiness.
4. Brittle nails and hair.
5. Intolerance to cold.
6. Poor concentration.
7. Dehydration.

Treatment will depends on the individual circumstances. In some cases, medication is necessary, especially where there is depression or serious compulsive symptoms. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. If the weight loss becomes serious admission to hospital may be required. Severe and life-threatening malnutrition may require intravenous feeding.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that it can be very difficult to treat; patients may think they are feeling better and stop the treatment but this will only see the problems recurring. It is difficult to detect bipolar disorder symptoms because the nature of the illness means that patients spend as much time in a state of mania (up) as they do in depression.

It should be easy to notice when a person who is close to you goes through this cycle on a regular basis and the second you see evidence of it you should make an appointment to see the sufferer’s physician. They will be able to refer you to a psychiatrist if required.

away. However, if you suspect the patient is having morbid thoughts and contemplating suicide you should act immediately to prevent the worst from happening.

Depression can be spotted quite easily too but can be overlooked as just being a down day. A sad or anxious mood that lasts for an extended period of time is the most obvious sign of depression and the first thing you should look for. Other signs include a loss of interest in things that would have previously caused excitement, including hobbies or sex.

Manic episodes can be easy to spot and include an increase in energy and a euphoric mood. Obviously if a person has been depressed for any length of time and then suddenly shows these characteristics it is likely to be very evident and easily noticed. Other signs of mania can include an increased sex drive, a lack of concentration, spending sprees and many more.