Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and an unrealistic perception of one’s body shape and weight. People with anorexia nervosa may see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously thin or stop eating altogether in an effort to maintain their weight or lose more weight. They often feel helpless to change their situation and become socially withdrawn, depressed and anxious. Anorexia nervosa can be fatal if left untreated, so it’s important to learn the symptoms, causes, and treatment of this serious mental illness.

What is anorexia nervosa?

Often referred to as anorexia or being anorexic, anorexia nervosa is a condition in which people have a distorted body image and/or an irrational fear of weight gain. Some people with anorexia think they are fat even when they are too thin. If you have low self-esteem, feel unhappy about your life, or have other psychological problems, you may be at greater risk for developing an eating disorder such as anorexia. People with severe forms of anorexia nervosa may starve themselves to death; others may only eat a little bit.

Risk factors for anorexia nervosa

It is important to note that there are several factors that can influence a person’s risk of developing anorexia nervosa. This includes genetics, low self-esteem or body image issues, easy weight-loss diets, low-energy level, perfectionism, and other personality traits. While it is possible for men to develop anorexia nervosa as well as women; studies show that almost 90% of those who have eating disorders are female. Researchers also note that anorexia nervosa most often begins in adolescence although symptoms may not be noticed until a later time in life. Females usually develop these symptoms between the ages of 15-and 25 while males usually experience them between 18-and 30 years old.

Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa

The medical diagnosis for anorexia nervosa has a number of symptoms that must be present in order to receive a diagnosis. According to The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), these are Refusal to maintain body weight at or above the minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less than 85% of that expected; or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected). Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight. Disturbance in the way one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body shape and size on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of current low body weight.

Treatment Options

Talk therapy is still considered to be one of the most effective treatments for anorexia nervosa. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to help patients develop healthier ways to think about their weight and themselves. Group therapy helps them connect with others who are experiencing similar issues, can provide support from people who have struggled with an eating disorder in the past, and normalizes what they’re going through by showing that everyone goes through hard times. It’s also a great way for families to get support as well. For example, family-based treatment (FBT) teaches parents how to recognize when their child is struggling with an eating disorder and how to best react in those situations.