Anorexia Nervosa

What is anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental illness that causes people to limit how much they eat, leading to a very low body weight. People with AN have a strong fear of gaining weight and may go to great lengths to prevent weight gain, even when their weight is already very low. They may not recognize how serious their low weight is. Anorexia nervosa can cause large mental and physical problems. It can lead to heart problems, changes in electrolyte balances, weak bones, and hormone problems. It also has one of the highest death rates of any mental disorder. 

Atypical anorexia nervosa has many of  the same characteristics as anorexia nervosa., People with atypical anorexia nervosa lose a lot of weight from not eating enough, but their body weight does not become very low. Atypical anorexia can be just as serious. Researchers are still studying whether these are different disorders or the same disorder at different body weights. 

How common is it?

In the United States, about 0.6% of people have anorexia at some point in their lives. This includes about 0.9% of females and 0.3% of males. People of any gender, age, race, and socioeconomic background can have anorexia nervosa. It  often starts during adolescence or early adulthood, but it can begin at any age. Even more people are affected when atypical anorexia nervosa is counted and many people are never diagnosed. 

Is anorexia nervosa treatable?

Yes! It is possible to treat anorexia nervosa and recover fully. Because it affects both the body and the mind, treatment usually involves a team. A team might include a medical provider to watch for physical health. A dietitian can help with nutrition and gaining weight. A therapist can help to talk about the thoughts and feelings that are happening from the illness. Gaining weight is necessary, because the brain and body need enough nutrition to heal.

The therapy that works best depends partly on age. Family-Based Treatment is best for children and teens. This involves parents as very important in their child’s eating and recovery and has very strong evidence. Approaches like  Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are used a lot for adults.

Treatment can happen at different levels depending on a person’s needs . Some people have regular outpatient appointments, while others need an all-day program that is more structured or a residential treatment program. A hospital stay may be needed if a person has serious medical problems. 

There is no medication approved to treat anorexia nervosa right now. However, medications can help with other conditions happening at the same time such as anxiety or depression. 

Where can I find the most up-to-date information about anorexia nervosa? 

Here are some helpful sources:

The bottom line on anorexia nervosa. 

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness where reducing the amount of food someone is eating leads them to be at a very low weight. There is also usually a strong fear of gaining weight and self-image is  tied to weight and shape. It has serious medical and mental health risks, including one of the highest death rates of any mental illness. It usually starts in adolescence but affects people of every gender, age, and background. Atypical anorexia nervosa has the same traits as anorexia nervosa  with no low body weight;it is more common and more easily missed than many people realize. It is possible to treat anorexia nervosa. With evidence-based care, people can and do recover.

Author: Aggie Laboe

Edited By: Lily Palmer