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Anorexia (deriving from the Greek "„(“)-" (a(n)-, a prefix that denotes absence) + "-- (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

Harmless

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

Clinically important

• Acute Radiation Syndrome.
• AIDS.
• 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.

Drugs

• amphetamine (Adderall), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine & Dextrostat)).
• Antidepressants can have anorexia as a side effect.
• dextromethylphenidate (Focalin).
• Abrupt cessation of appetite-increasing drugs, such as marijuana.
• dextromethamphetamine (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).
• opioid painkillers such as cocaine and diacetylmorphine.
• stimulants.

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.

References