In today’s weight-obsessed world, it is easy to develop a skewed body image and an obsession with weight loss. It can also be hard for some people to maintain an appropriate weight for their stature, age and height. This can lead to an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa, which is frequently referred to as just anorexia.
Anorexia nervosa has the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness (only surpassed by opioid use disorders). Most individuals with an eating disorder seek other types of care (e.g., emergency department or primary care office) and their eating disorders go undetected.
People who have anorexia may restrict the kinds of food they eat and the amount of calories they eat, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. They might also:
- Binge eat
- Purge (expel) food by taking laxatives or vomiting
- Exercise excessively
Anyone of any ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender or age may develop anorexia. Anorexia is most common among teenagers, but many children and older adults can also get the disorder.
Over time, some of the following symptoms may develop related to starvation or purging behaviors:
- Menstrual periods cease
- Dizziness or fainting from dehydration
- Brittle hair/nails
- Cold intolerance
- Muscle weakness and wasting
- Heartburn and reflux (in those who vomit)
- Severe constipation, bloating and fullness after meals
- Stress fractures from compulsive exercise as well as bone loss resulting in osteopenia or osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)
- Depression, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration and fatigue
Serious medical complications can be life threatening and include heart rhythm abnormalities especially in those patients who vomit or use laxatives, kidney problems or seizures.
Some conditions that frequently co-occur with anorexia nervosa are anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders and substance use disorders.
Other common eating disorders are bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, and other specified feeding and eating disorder.
Treatment
Treating anorexia aims to improve patients’ physical and mental health. It involves helping those affected normalize their eating and weight control behaviors and restore their weight.
It is usually beneficial to have a physician, psychiatrist, therapist and dietician on your treatment team. It is always better to seek help sooner rather than later.
Meeting with a primary care provider is a good first step to explore treatment options and receive personalized care through provider referrals. To find a primary care provider, visit UofL Physicians – Primary Care or call 502-588-4343.
UofL Health – Peace Hospital provides treatment for patients of all ages with behavioral, psychiatric and substance use disorders. Peace Hospital also provides integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders. For a no-charge 24/7 level-of-care assessment, walk-in to Peace Hospital’s Assessment and Referral Center. For more information call, 502-451-3333.
In a medical emergency, dial 911 or visit a UofL Health – Emergency Department.
