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Think they are fat, even when they are underweightDont understand that their low body weight can cause serious medical problemsFeel good about themselves when they lose weight and bad when they gain weight
It is also common for people with anorexia nervosa to: � �
- Spend a lot of time thinking about food, meals, and calories
- Create rules around food and eating
- Skip meals and avoid eating in public
Anorexia nervosa is more common in women than men. It usually begins in the teenage or early adult years. � �
People with anorexia nervosa often hide how thin they are or deny that they have a problem. They often don't want treatment, because they don't want to gain weight. But it's important for people to get treatment, because people can die from anorexia nervosa. � �
Is there a test for anorexia nervosa? " � No. There is no test. But your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have it by talking with you, measuring your height and weight, and doing an exam. � �
Your doctor or nurse will do tests to check your health, because anorexia nervosa can lead to many health problems. You will probably have: � �
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- An ECG " � An ECG measures the electrical activity in your heart and records your heart rate and rhythm (figure 1).
What problems can anorexia nervosa cause? " � Anorexia nervosa can cause many problems. That's because the body and brain don't get the nutrition they need. Anorexia nervosa can cause: � �
- Problems with the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, and glands
- Bone loss and muscle weakness
- Bloating and trouble having bowel movements
- Thinning hair and nails that break easily
- Feeling cold all the time or tired a lot
People with anorexia nervosa can also have: � �
- Depression " � This is when people feel very sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time, or do not enjoy the things that usually make them happy. In addition, people can have trouble with their sleep, appetite, energy, memory, or concentration. Some depressed people think about hurting themselves. If you are thinking of hurting yourself, call your doctor or nurse right away or go to the hospital.
- Anxiety " � This is when people worry a lot or think about certain things over and over.
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Problems with memory, thinking, or paying attention
- Trouble sleeping
How is anorexia nervosa treated? " � Treatment for anorexia nervosa involves: � �
- Gaining weight " � You will work with your doctor and a dietitian (food expert) to gain weight. The dietitian will make meal plans that can help you gain weight safely and slowly. The doctor will follow your weight and health closely.
- Talk therapy " � Talk therapy involves meeting with a therapist to talk about your feelings, thoughts, and life. Different kinds of talk therapy can be helpful, including:
- Working one-on-one with a therapist
- Family therapy " � Your family can work with a therapist.
- Group therapy " � You can join a group for people with eating disorders.
Medicines are not usually used to treat anorexia nervosa. � �
Some people can be treated at home, but others need to be treated in the hospital. It depends on the person's weight, symptoms, and health problems. Treatment for anorexia nervosa can be hard work, and it can take a long time. A complete recovery can take years. � �
What happens after treatment? " � Many people get better with treatment. But people with anorexia nervosa often "relapse. " � This is when their symptoms return and they lose weight again. � �
To help prevent a relapse, you can follow your treatment plan and keep seeing your therapist. If you start to have symptoms again, let your family or doctor know as soon as possible so that you can get help. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 16565 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
Person having an ECG
This drawing shows a man having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). He has patches, called "electrodes," stuck onto his chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Graphic 53145 Version 2.0
View Originalfigure 1
Person having an ECG
This drawing shows a man having an ECG (also called an electrocardiogram or EKG). He has patches, called "electrodes," stuck onto his chest, arms, and legs. Wires run from the electrodes to the ECG machine. An ECG measures the electrical activity in the heart.
Graphic 53145 Version 2.0
View Original
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