Search
804.415.7603Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition. Anorexia nervosa signs 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 anorexia nervosa symptoms are present in all 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 weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of low body weight
Anorexia nervosa symptoms can be severe and, in some cases, deadly. Without treatment at an anorexia rehab center, between 5-20% of individuals with anorexia will die. With treatment at an anorexia rehab center, this number decreases to 2-3%. Typically, anorexia appears in early to mid-adolescence, and it also disproportionately affects women.
Overview of Anorexia Nervosa
Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s AVP of Clinical Services, Kate Fisch, LCSW, discusses anorexia and how Aster Springs approaches treatment.
Signs, Symptoms, and Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa signs vary based on the length and severity of the disorder, and may include the following:
- Weight loss (significant or sudden)
- Preoccupation with weight, body, food, calories, fat grams, exercise, and/or dieting
- Refusal to eat certain foods or food groups
- 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
- 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
- Dental issues, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity
Additionally, anorexia can lead to dire health consequences if left untreated, including:
- 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 At Aster Springs
Our highly skilled and experienced clinicians at our anorexia nervosa treatment centers work closely with each client to create an individualized treatment plan to ensure the best chance at recovery. Clients play a vital role in helping to set realistic treatment goals that will address the underlying issues of their eating disorder.
Therapies We Use to Treat Anorexia
To treat anorexia, our team creates an individualized treatment plan for each client based on their specific needs and diagnosis. Some of the evidence-based treatments our clinicians utilize at our anorexia nervosa clinic include:
Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Options
At our anorexia nervosa treatment centers in Tennessee and Virginia, we offer several anorexia treatment options based on where each client is in their recovery. The levels of care and anorexia nervosa treatment options offered at our anorexia clinic include:
With our PHP and IOP anorexia treatment, we also offer optional supportive housing.
REVIEWED BY
Kate Fisch, LCSW
Kate Fisch is the AVP of Clinical Operations for Odyssey’s Eating Disorder Network. With 17 years of clinical leadership and direct client care experience in the eating disorders field, she has a history of innovation, clinical training, and resource development in a variety of eating disorder treatment settings supporting families, clients, and clinicians.
Anorexia Resources
If you’re ready to take the next step in the eating disorder recovery process for you or your loved one, the compassionate team at Aster Springs is here to help.
