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What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is aneating disorderthat causes a person to restrict their food intake.
Anorexia typically begins in adolescents 15 years old or younger.
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Worldwide, it’s estimated that up to 4% of females and 0.3% of males experience anorexia.
Symptoms
It’s important to recognize all of the warning signs andsymptoms associated with anorexia.
However, the symptoms often appear differently from person to person.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It should be noted that not all of these symptoms will be indicative of anorexia.
Some people with anorexia may not display all, or even any, of these signs.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Serious medical complications are associated with anorexia.
In some cases, these symptoms are life-threatening.
One of the most harmful misconceptions about anorexia is that all people who struggle with it are severely underweight.
People with the restricting subtype place severe restrictions on the amount and throw in of food they eat.
Restrictive behaviors include counting calories, skipping meals, or eliminating certain foods (such as carbohydrates).
These behaviors are sometimes coupled with excessive exercise.
Those with the binge-eating and/or purging subtype also restrict their food intake.
Possible medical conditions to rule out include gastrointestinal disease and hyperthyroidism.
Some conditions, however, may also occur alongside anorexia.
A healthcare provider will do a thorough review of both physical and mental health symptoms before making a diagnosis.
People with eating disorders may beperfectionistsor high achievers.
People with anorexia may struggle withself-esteem.
Environmental or cultural stressors may also play a role in the development of anorexia.
Environmental triggers combined with other risk factors can contribute to the development of anorexia and other eating disorders.
Research suggests that the development of anorexia is influenced by genetics as well.
You may be more likely to have anorexia if someone in your family has it.
Treatment
Treatment for anorexia nervosacan occur in a variety of configs.
This could be the first step in eventual treatment and recovery.
A person with anorexia may also requirepsychiatric hospitalizationif they are refusing to eat.
There are clinics available to people with eating disorders as well.
Medication
There aren’t any medications specifically approved to treat anorexia.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is often recommended for people with eating disorders.
The goal of CBT is to learn new andhealthy coping mechanismsinstead of reverting to eating disordered behavior.
For adolescents with anorexia,family-based treatment(FBT) may be recommended.
The goal of FBT is to provide additional support to families coping with anorexia.
Group therapyis also effective for the treatment of eating disorders.
Being diagnosed with OSFED as opposed to anorexia nervosa does not make a person’s condition any less serious.
It’s OK if you’re not ready to provide loved ones with all the details of your diagnosis.
check that you’redoing things that you enjoyas much as possible.
Make time to watch your favorite movies, or to take a road trip to your favorite place.
It’s important that you are kind to yourself.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
A Word From Verywell
Remember that anorexia looks different in everyone.
Symptoms of this condition can be relieved with adequate treatment.
Getting help early improves the chance of a complete and lasting recovery.
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National Institute of Mental Health.Eating disorders: About more than food.
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American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition.
2019;9:2045125318814734. doi:10.1177/2045125318814734
Khalifa I, Goldman RD.Anorexia nervosa requiring admission in adolescents.Can Fam Physician.
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