Anorexia (symptom)

Anorexia (deriving from the Greek "α(ν)-" (a(n)-, a prefix that denotes absence) + "όρεξη" (orexe) = appetite) is the decreased sensation of appetite. While the term in non-scientific publications is often used interchangeably with anorexia nervosa, many possible causes exist for a decreased appetite, some of which may be harmless, while others indicate a serious clinical condition, or pose a significant risk.

Causes

• Satiation following the consumption of food. This is normal and is called postprandial anorexia.

Clinically important

• Acute Radiation Syndrome
• Acute viral Hepatitis
• Addison's disease
• Atypical pneumonia (mycoplasma)
• AIDS
• Anorexia nervosa
• Anxiety disorder
• acute appendicitis where it accompanies the presenting symptom of abdominal pain, often with vomiting
• Cancer
• Chronic renal failure
• Congestive heart failure, perhaps due to congestion of the liver with venous blood
• Crohn's Disease
• Dementia
• Depression
• Hypervitaminosis A
• Metabolic disorders, particularly Urea cycle disorders
• Sickness behavior^[1][2]
• Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome
• Tuberculosis
• Ulcerative Colitis

Drugs

• Amphetamine (Adderall), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine & Dextrostat)
• Antidepressants can have anorexia as a side effect
• Dextromethylphenidate (Focalin)
• Abrupt cessation of appetite-increasing drugs, such as cannabis and corticosteroids
• Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) (treatment of ADD & ADHD and narcolepsy)
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin & Concerta)
• Chemicals that are members of the phenethylamine group. (Individuals with anorexia nervosa may seek them to suppress appetite)
• Stimulants
• Topiramate (Topamax) (as a side effect)

Other

• Altitude when it can also accompany sickness.
• Preoperative anorexia drugs may be prescribed as a prophylactic to ensure no food will back up into the esophagus which might risk pulmonary aspiration.
• Significant emotional pain caused by an event (rather than a mental disorder) can cause an individual to temporarily lose all interest in eating.

References