Anorexia Nervosa | Definition, Symptoms and Causes

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most dangerous eating disorders which can affect anyone irrespective of their gender, age and background. If left untreated, anorexia can drastically harm a person’s body, mind and spirit, and in the most tragic circumstances, anorexia can have fatal consequences. Currently, over a quarter of a million Britons suffer from this disorder, and sadly, it has the highest mortality rate of all eating disorders. At Primrose Lodge, we are dedicated to stopping anorexia in its tracks by providing clients with a comprehensive anorexia treatment programme.

What is anorexia nervosa?

On the surface, anorexia nervosa may look like a physical condition, given that the most notable signs are weight loss. However, anorexia is much more than that; it is, in fact, a psychological illness whereby the fear of gaining weight infiltrates a person’s mind to such an extent that they’re unable to have a healthy relationship with food. This results in people skipping meals or consuming very few calories to control their weight. Sometimes, this is accompanied by purging or exercising in excess. Not only does this create a multitude of stress and anxiety for the person suffering, but the ramifications of anorexia can seep into their personal lives, negatively affecting their relationships and professional life. Furthermore, most people with anorexia will lose substantial body mass and exhibit physical signs of malnutrition. If this goes untreated, it can dangerously injure their physical strength and wellbeing.

Signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa

If you think you or someone you care about may be struggling with anorexia, there are several warning signs to look out for. The sooner you notice that you or a loved one might be suffering, the sooner you can get help and avoid any lasting damage. Let’s look at some of the common physical symptoms of anorexia:

Development of brittle bones (Osteoporosis)
Thinning hair
Dehydration
Extreme weight loss and thin appearance
Intolerance of cold environments
Fatigue
Irregular heart rhythm
Dizziness or fainting
Seizure
Brittle nails
Absence of menstruation
Dry skin
Low blood pressure

The physical symptoms of anorexia are often accompanied by numerous behavioural signs, some of which can be:

Preoccupation with dieting
Denial of hunger, even when starving
Difficulty concentrating
Refusal to eat
Fixation on counting calories
Obsession with body size and shape
Weighing food
Skipping meals
Making excuses for not eating
Eating only a few specific foods considered safe, usually those low in fat and calories
Developing negative eating habits, such as spitting food out after chewing
Excessive exercise
Constant weighing of self
Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws

What causes anorexia?

Several factors can lead to anorexia depending on the individual with the illness. The causes may be biological, environmental, or psychological, and in many cases, a combination of all three.

Let’s look at the common risk factors people may have experienced that may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa:

Difficulty handling stress or anxiety
Susceptibility to depression and anxiety
An impulse to control
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
A tendency to strive for “perfection” in all aspects of life
Having a negative self-image or body image
Eating problems from early childhood or infancy
Having the wrong ideas concerning beauty and health. These ideas may come from the media or be influenced by culture or society
Being overly worried about weight and shape
Receiving physical, sexual or emotional abuse
Family or other relationship problems
Being bullied
Fear of failure or pressure to succeed

Environmental factors such as the beauty and fashion industry, alongside the media’s portrayal of unattainable beauty standards, can negatively impact an individual’s perception of a healthy body image. Our anorexia treatment clinic considers these factors, and they provide excellent therapy treatments to help you change how you perceive your body and build a better relationship with food.

How is anorexia nervosa treated?

Generally, anorexia nervosa treatment consists of psychotherapy, medication, family therapy and nutrition counselling. The goal of your personalised treatment plan is to achieve the following:

Restore you to a healthy body weight
Address distorted thinking
Treat emotional problems such as low self-esteem
Help you make behavioural changes that will help you achieve lasting recovery
For best results, treatment may be long-term, especially as there is the possibility of a relapse.

Remember: anorexia is treatable, and you can recover.

Developing anorexia can seem like you are isolated from everyone else when you have it yourself and it may seem scary if you’re watching someone you love go through it. We know it is a debilitating illness that permeates all corners of a person’s life. But fortunately, it is treatable, and we’ve witnessed many people recover physically, mentally, and emotionally from the disorder, so please take comfort that you can too.

If you or a loved one suffer from anorexia nervosa or any other eating disorder, we can help. Call our confidential helpline today to get started on the safe and effective path to recovery.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between anorexia nervosa and anorexia?

“Anorexia” defines an inability to eat and the effects this has on the body, whether this is due to a physical problem or a mental health issue. “Anorexia nervosa,” however, is the clinical name given to the eating disorder, whereby starvation is the leading symptom.

What is anorexia athletica?

Anorexia athletica is a form of anorexia where people control their caloric intake and weight via obsessive-compulsive exercising.

Can people with anorexia develop other eating disorders?

Yes, it is not uncommon for people with anorexia to develop symptoms of binge eating disorder or bulimia. Therefore, its imperative people with anorexia nervosa get not just the physical but psychological help they need to overcome eating disorders illnesses.