What is anorexia nervosa (AN)?

What is anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder that can lead to devastating physical, psychological, and social consequences if left unaddressed.

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intrusive preoccupation about body size and shape, leading to the patient not adequately nourishing themselves. It is essential to understand that anorexia nervosa can happen at any body size due to anorexia nervosa being centered around self-starvation, regardless of body weight.

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Diagnosing anorexia nervosa

Early diagnosis and treatment of anorexia nervosa is essential to preventing permanent health damage and accelerating the recovery process. In fact, with proper treatment many can make a full recovery from AN. 

Before settling on a treatment option, a medical provider with specialized training in eating disorders, and AN, will complete a thorough examination of the patient. After establishing a diagnosis, the provider will then suggest appropriate treatments based on the patient’s needs.

Medical professionals use the following indicators to make a diagnostic determination:

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Signs & symptoms of anorexia nervosa

Eating disorders can be elusive, and the subtle nuances between the different types of eating disorders can also make them difficult to diagnose. Identifying the signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa is therefore a critical part of getting a proper diagnosis. Prompt treatment can prevent permanent organ damage and help people with anorexia nervosa recover fully. 

Effects of anorexia nervosa

Short-term effects

In the short term, the effects of anorexia nervosa are more subtle. Anorexia nervosa causes electrolyte imbalances and blood pressure changes that lead to fatigue and interfere with day-to-day activities. 

Many people who engage in disordered eating also experience gastrointestinal distress:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation

Over time, anorexia nervosa interferes with the body’s ability to function correctly, leaving the immune system vulnerable. (1)

Here are some other negative long-term health consequences associated with anorexia nervosa:

• Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
• Loss of muscle (cachexia)
• Thin or brittle hair
• Growth of fine hair (lanugo)
• Severe constipation
• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles in women (amenorrhea)
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heart rhythms and permanent heart damage
• High sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Fatigue
• Reduced immune function
• Infertility
• Cognitive impairment
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Death, if untreated

The effects of disordered eating also take a toll on a person’s emotional well-being, which can lead to strained relationships and poor social support. 

Related disorders

In most cases, anorexia nervosa does not occur independently. Over half of those diagnosed with AN also have at least one other co-occurring DSM-IV disorder. (10) Other related disorders that commonly occur alongside AN include:

• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Anxiety
• Major Depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Impulse control disorder
• Bulimia nervosa 

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Treatment of anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening disorder, yet only one-third of those who suffer from the condition seek treatment. (10) 

These are some common reasons patients resist treatment:

• Fear of gaining weight
• Fear of leaving home for treatment
• Fear of being in a residential setting 
• Social stigmas and fear of judgment
• Not realizing treatment is necessary

Overcoming resistance to anorexia nervosa treatment is vital, since early intervention reduces both the condition’s short- and long-term effects.

Treatment of anorexia nervosa may include the following:

Psychological therapies for anorexia nervosa include:

Within Health's treatment options for those struggling with anorexia nervosa depend on the severity of the condition and the overall health of the individual seeking treatment. Still, the most important thing to understand is that eating disorders are treatable.

Therapies for anorexia nervosa

The most effective treatments for disordered eating are individualized, considering the patient’s unique medical needs, behaviors, barriers, and challenges. 

Interdisciplinary teams consist of healthcare professionals with specialized knowledge in the treatment of eating disorders. A comprehensive clinical care team should include (at minimum):

• A physician
• A mental health professional
• A registered dietitian/nutritionist

In addition to the core medical team, family and friends also play a vital role in the recovery process. By offering additional support and encouragement throughout the treatment process, patients achieve better outcomes.

Medications for anorexia nervosa

Currently, there is no FDA-approved medication specifically targeted to treat anorexia. (11) However, some medications may be prescribed to treat related psychological conditions. 

Understanding anorexia nervosa

Without a clear understanding of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, people often make over-generalizations that lead to inaccurate assumptions and judgments. For example, anorexia nervosa is not a lifestyle choice – it is a complex medical psychological condition that requires professional treatment. 

Living with anorexia nervosa 

For those who live with the condition, anorexia nervosa influences every aspect of their life. From food choices to social interactions, every decision is based on how it will affect a person’s weight and body image. The preoccupation with food and weight can lead to feelings of isolation, which take a toll on mental health. With treatment, however, people with anorexia nervosa can make a full recovery. 

People who are navigating the challenging landscape of anorexia need a great deal of support, medical care and psychological care. Coping with anorexia nervosa requires a team of medical professionals like those at Within Health. Our team has specialized knowledge in the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the condition. 

History of anorexia nervosa 

• Self-induced starvation was first recorded in the Middle Ages, when some religions viewed extreme fasting as a sign of beauty and reverence. (5)
• In 1689, Dr. Richard Morton recorded the first notes about “nervous consumption,” a term he used to describe patients with poor appetite and weight loss. (6)
• In 1873, the term “anorexia nervosa” was first used to describe the condition. (7)
• In 1952, anorexia nervosa was officially listed in the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Anorexia nervosa in pop culture

Over the past 50 years, there has been a spike in cases of eating disorders in younger populations.(8) Some health experts believe this is due to the constant societal messaging that thinness is something to be celebrated.

In recent years eating disorders have increased substantially in adolescents during the pandemic. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) has experienced a 40% increase in helpline calls, while hospitals estimate intake for patients with eating disorders is also up 25%. (13)

In some industries, such as fashion and entertainment, expectations around weight are unrealistic. As many as 62% of fashion models have been encouraged to lose weight at some point in their careers. (9)

How to help someone with anorexia nervosa

Early treatment is critical if you or someone you know is experiencing signs of anorexia nervosa. The first step in the recovery process is to find a trusted health care provider who can guide you through the treatment process.

Within Health offers compassionate, highly-personalized treatment programs for people with eating disorders. Call our admissions team today to learn how we heal anorexia nervosa.