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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.

[edit] Causes

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

[edit] Clinically important

• Acute Radiation Syndrome.
• AIDS.
• Anorexia nervosa.
• 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.
• Severe Depression.
• Sickness behavior^[1][2]
• Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome.
• Ulcerative Colitis.

[edit] 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.
• 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.

[edit] 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 illness) can cause an individual to temporarily lose all interest in eating.

[edit] References