Anorexia nervosa, << `an` uh REHK see uh nur VOH suh, >> is a serious eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and significant weight loss. For many years, low body weight was also considered an important symptom of anorexia. While body weight is still considered when diagnosing anorexia, experts now think the amount of weight lost may be more important than low body weight.
Anorexia typically emerges in adolescence and young adulthood and can affect adults at any age. Anorexia affects people of all genders, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and social and economic statuses. While anorexia most commonly occurs in girls and women, boys and men make up about one-third of all individuals diagnosed with the disorder.
Anorexia is associated with serious medical complications. These complications include fatigue, dizziness or fainting, delayed puberty or loss of menstrual periods, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, stomach and intestinal problems, weakened bones, stunted growth, and increased risk of premature death.
Symptoms and signs of anorexia include reduction in the amount and types of food eaten; avoidance of eating with other people; preoccupation with food, body size, and weight; exercising compulsively without enjoyment; and social withdrawal. Some individuals with anorexia also experience episodes of binge eating (eating an excessive amount of food in a brief period) followed by behaviors to make up for overeating, such as self-induced vomiting and the use of laxatives. Many individuals with anorexia experience significant anxiety, depression, or both.
Anorexia is a biologically influenced illness. A person’s genes and environment are both involved in the development of anorexia. The disorder is also associated with complex neurological and psychological factors. It is considered a brain-based disorder, like all other psychiatric disorders.
Full recovery from anorexia is possible. Many of the personality traits that make someone more likely to develop anorexia, such as perfectionism and ambition, also help achieve recovery. There are a number of evidence-based treatments for anorexia. A patient’s treatment may include medication as well as individual, family, or group therapy. Treatment is available at various levels of intensity, from full-time or part-time hospitalization to weekly outpatient appointments.
See also Adolescent (Eating disorders); Body image.
