Anorexia nervosa

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Food guide pyramid

Eating disorder - anorexia

The biggest challenge in treating anorexia nervosa is having the person recognize that their eating behavior is itself a problem, not a solution to other problems. However, most people who suffer from anorexia nervosa deny that they have an eating disorder. Therefore, most individuals enter treatment when their condition is fairly advanced.

The purpose of treatment is first to restore normal body weight and eating habits, and then attempt to resolve psychological issues. Hospitalization may be indicated in some cases (usually when body weight falls below 30% of expected weight).

Supportive care by health care providers, structured behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and anti-depressant drug therapy are some of the methods that are used for treatment. Severe and life-threatening malnutrition may require intravenous feeding.

A support group where members share common experiences and problems may be able to help. See eating disorders - support group.

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially deadly medical condition. By some estimates, it leads to death in 10% of cases. Experienced treatment programs have a two-thirds success rate in restoring normal weight, but relapse is common.

Women who develop this eating disorder at an early age have a better chance of complete recovery. Most people with anorexia will continue to prefer a lower body weight and be preoccupied with food and calories to some extent, however. Weight management may be difficult, and long-term treatment may be necessary to help maintain a healthy body weight.

The presence of any of these suggests a severe disease, and hospitalization may be required:

• Severe dehydration, possibly leading to cardiovascular shock
• Electrolyte imbalance (such as potassium insufficiency)
• Cardiac arrhythmias related to electrolyte imbalance and the loss of cardiac muscle
• Severe malnutrition
• Thyroid gland deficiencies which can lead to cold intolerance and constipation
• Appearance of fine baby-like body hair (lanugo)
• Bloating or edema
• Decrease in white blood cells which leads to increased susceptibility to infection
• Osteoporosis
• Tooth erosion and decay with self-induced vomiting
• Seizures related to fluid shifts due to excessive diarrhea or vomiting

Call your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of anorexia nervosa are present.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if fainting, irregular pulse, seizures, or other severe symptoms develop in a person with anorexia nervosa.

Review Date: 07/25/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.