About Anorexia Nervosa

By Dr. Coco

May 10, 2023

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is a serious mental health condition characterized by an extreme fear of gaining weight and an obsessive desire to lose weight. Anorexia nervosa can have devastating physical and psychological effects on the person suffering from it.

The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown; however, research suggests that a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors may contribute to its development. People with anorexia often have distorted body images, believing they are overweight even when they are not. They may also feel intense pressure to be thin or perfect in some way. Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and perfectionism can also contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa.

Common signs and symptoms of anorexia include severe weight loss; difficulty maintaining a healthy weight; preoccupation with food; avoidance of social situations involving food; anxiety around eating; extreme exercise habits; distorted body image; fatigue; dizziness or fainting spells; and irregular menstrual cycles in females. People with anorexia may also display signs of depression or other mental health issues such as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The physical effects of anorexia can be quite serious. Severe malnutrition can lead to organ damage, electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, osteoporosis, muscle weakness and wasting away (cachexia), heart problems including arrhythmias and heart failure, infertility in women due to hormonal imbalances caused by malnutrition, kidney failure due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, hair loss due to nutrient deficiencies, seizures due to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), as well as many other medical complications. The psychological effects can be just as serious: feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness; increased risk for suicide attempts or completion; heightened sense of guilt or shame around eating behaviors; difficulty concentrating on tasks at work or school due to malnutrition-related brain fog; social isolation due to fear of eating in public or fear of being judged for one’s appearance/weight status.

Treatment for anorexia typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) and nutritional counseling with the goal being re-establishing a healthy relationship with food while restoring normal physical functioning through proper nutrition. In some cases medication may be prescribed for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Hospitalization may be necessary if the person is severely malnourished or at high risk for medical complications from their poor nutrition status.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental illness that requires professional treatment in order for recovery to occur. If you suspect someone you know has this disorder it is important that you provide them with support and encourage them to seek help from a qualified mental health professional who specializes in treating eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.