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Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition with symptoms that vary based on the length and severity of the condition. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the following symptoms are present in all diagnosed cases.
- 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 weight or shape
- Undue influence of weigh or shape on self-evaluation
The symptoms of anorexia nervosa can be severe and, in some cases, deadly. Without treatment, up to 20% of individuals with anorexia nervosa will die. With eating disorder treatment, this number decreases to 2-3%. Typically, anorexia nervosa appears in early to mid-adolescence, and it also disproportionately affects women.
Overview of Anorexia Nervosa
Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia
- Weight loss (significant or sudden)
- Preoccupation with weight, body, food, calories, fat grams, exercise, and/or dieting
- Refusal to eat certain foods or food group
- Complaints of constipation, abdominal pain, cold intolerance, lethargy, and/or excess energy
- Distorted self-image
- Expressed anxiety about gaining weight or being “fat”
- Denial of hunger
- Development of food rituals
- Avoidance of meals as well as other situations involving food
- Participation in an excessive, rigid exercise regimen
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and/or activities
- Increased irritability
- Concerned about eating in public
- Limited insight into and/or denial of the above mentioned unhealthy behavioral or cognitive patterns
- Post-puberty loss of menstrual period
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dizziness
- Dental issues, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity
Health Consequences of Anorexia
- Slow heart rate and low blood pressure – the risk for heart failure increases as the heart rate and blood pressure decrease
- Reduction of bone density (dry, brittle bones) – the risk for osteoporosis/osteopenia increases as bone density decreases
- Muscle loss and weakness
- Dehydration which can result in kidney failure
- Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness
- Dry hair and skin, hair loss
- Growth of a downy layer of hair (lanugo) all over the body, including the face, to keep the body warm
Anorexia Nervosa Treatment
Our highly skilled and experienced clinicians at our anorexia rehab center work closely with each client to create an individualized anorexia treatment plan based on their specific needs. Clients play a vital role in their anorexia recovery by setting realistic treatment goals that will address the underlying issues of their disorder.
Anorexia Recovery
Anorexia Treatment Programs
At our anorexia rehab center, we offer several anorexia treatment programs based on where each client is in their recovery. The anorexia treatment programs we offer include:
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REVIEWED BY
Kate Fisch, LCSW
Want to learn more about Magnolia Creek’s anorexia nervosa clinic? We’re here to help. Call us at 205-678-4373 or fill out the form to get started today.
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