Anorexia Nervosa: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

young woman

Information on Anorexia

It is estimated that approximately one percent of women will suffer from Anorexia in their lifetime. Complications associated with Anorexia holds the second-highest mortality rate of all psychological disorders. Unfortunately, many people are not fully aware of the lifelong risks and complications associated with prolonged restricting. According to Eating Disorder Hope, only a third of those suffering from Anorexia seek treatment. Therefore, it is critical to understand the risks associated with Anorexia and develop insight into treatment options.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?:

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, Anorexia Nervosa is characterized as weight loss (or lack of appropriate weight gain in growing children); difficulties maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age, and stature; and, in many individuals, distorted body image. Those suffering from Anorexia generally greatly restrict the number of calories and the types of food they eat. Those in suffering may also compulsively exercise, engage in binge-eating, or purging behaviors via vomiting or laxative use.

About Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is a psychological disorder that affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. It can surface at any age; however, experts often see it develop during adolescence. Unfortunately, due to stereotypes and societal challenges, it is often glorified as this “drive for thinness” and misdiagnosed as a positive attribute.

Signs of Anorexia Nervosa

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the following symptoms are to be present for an accurate diagnosis:

  • Restriction of energy intake, resulting in significantly low body weight
  • Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat (despite having a significantly low body weight)
  • Disturbance in the experience of body shape or weight; the undue influence of weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of low body weight

Along with these diagnostic criteria, let’s explore some of the physical, emotional, and behavioral signs associated with symptoms of Anorexia.

Physical Signs

  • Weight loss, losing weight suddenly or in a significant amount
  • Complaints of constipation, abdominal pain, cold intolerance, lethargy, and/or excess energy
  • Post-pubescent loss of menstrual period
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Dizziness
  • Dental issues, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity

 

Emotional Signs

  • Preoccupation with weight, body, food, calories, fat grams, exercise, and/or dieting
  • Distorted self-image
  • Expressed anxiety about gaining weight or being “fat”
  • Limited insight into and/or denial of the above mentioned unhealthy behavioral or cognitive patterns
  • Increased irritability
  • Concerned about eating in public

 

Behavioral Signs

  • Refusal to eat certain foods or food group
  • Denial of hunger
  • Development of food rituals (e.g., eating foods in specific orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate)
  • Avoidance of meals as well as other situations involving food
  • Participation in an excessive, rigid exercise regimen
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, and/or activities

Treatment Options

At Magnolia Creek, our expert clinical team utilizes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to overall healing and transformation. Our focus is to address the underlying issues and support long-term recovery, so our clients can renew, restore, and recover from eating disorders. If you or someone you know is suffering from Anorexia, look no further, we are here and ready to help. Our Admission Team is available 24/7 to compassionately guide clients and families in their journey to freedom. Complete our contact form or call us, 765-641-0022 to discover our Magnolia Creek Difference.

Share:

Similar Blog Posts

Cheerful Afro Couple Sharing News With Marital Therapist After Reconciliation

Understanding and Navigating Eating Disorders Together as a Couple

A strong relationship can have a significant positive impact during eating disorder treatment. Therefore, as you work toward recovery, it is important to evaluate the health of your relationships. There are many factors that can strengthen your relationship as a couple during ED treatment, including effective communication, education, and therapy. The Importance of Communication in

Read More »

Enhancing Eating Disorder Recovery with Experiential Therapies: Essential Benefits

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that can have devastating consequences on both physical and psychological health. Unsurprisingly, treatment is often necessary to prevent these severe adverse effects. The good news is that various treatment interventions are available to help individuals with their eating disorder recovery. One of these successful, evidence-based treatments is experiential

Read More »

How Anorexia Affects Your Smile: The Impact on Oral Health

Eating disorders can negatively affect every part of your body, including your mouth. Poor oral health can negatively impact not only your overall health but also your quality of life. That is why it is important to understand how anorexia may be impacting your teeth. Malnutrition and The Impact of Anorexia on Teeth Nutrition affects

Read More »

Why Family Therapy Matters in Healing from Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are complex psychiatric illnesses with severe medical and psychological consequences that require treatment to ensure recovery and healing. Family dynamics play a huge role in the recovery and healing of eating disorders. That’s why family involvement in recovery is crucial to success. Among the various treatments available for eating disorders, family-based treatment is

Read More »

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Get exclusive resources, find inspiration, and grow alongside us. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter now!

X
Scroll to Top