Anorexia Nervosa
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person has an irrational fear of becoming fat. People
with this disorder eat very little food, and will lose weight to the point of becoming wasted. But even then,
their image of themselves remains distorted. They still see themselves as fat, even when they are
extremely thin.
This disorder primarily affects teenage girls and young female adults, but it can also affect men. The
actual cause is unknown, and is probably due to a combination of factors. Some people are depressed or
have other psychological disorders. Others feel intense peer pressure to be thin and become obsessed
with weight, or are undergoing a great deal of stress in their lives.
Losing too much weight can cause many health problems, and can be life threatening.
What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
The most common symptoms include:
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Loss of at least 25% of body weight without being sick
Uncontrollable exercising
Menstrual periods stopping
Complaining of being fat even though the person is extremely thin
Depression
Loss of appetite
What tests are needed?
Anorexia nervosa is usually diagnosed based on a physical exam and the patient's history. Extreme
weight loss without any sign of illness, especially in a young woman, is generally a good indication that
she may be anorexic.
There are no specific tests for this disorder.
What treatment is needed?
Counseling is needed to try to modify this type of behavior. Often counseling may be indicated for the
entire family.
In cases where the patient has become ill from starving herself, she may need to be admitted to the
hospital. Forced feeding may be given through a feeding tube or an intravenous line, which delivers fluids
and nutrients into the vein.
Do
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Do eat the diet which is prescribed by your doctor
Do attend counseling sessions
Do take any medication as directed
Recovery time
This is a problem which usually requires long-term care. Counseling or therapy may need to be continued
for several years. Relapses are common, especially when stressful situations occur. Recovery depends
on whether or not the patient recognizes that a problem even exists.
What can be done to stop it from happening again?
Minimize stress as much as possible. Recognize that you have an emotional problem that needs to be
dealt with.
Further information on anorexia nervosa can be found from:
Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders
P.O. Box 5102
Eugene, OR 94705
Tel: 503-344-1144
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
PO Box 7
Highland Park IL 60035
Hotline: 847-831-3438
E-mail: info@anad.org
www.anad.org
Reproduced with permission from PDxMD - Clinical Information for Quality Care - www.pdxmd.com