Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms
Anorexia nervosa is a mental disorder characterized by extreme weight loss or refusal to maintain normal body weight. It causes serious physical complications and may be fatal if left untreated.
Anorexia nervosa affects 1 in 100 women and 1 in 200 men at any given time. The condition usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood, although it can start at any age.
Learn more about this condition with our comprehensive article.
Anorexia nervosas symptoms include an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, eating very little food, and refusing to eat even when hungry. Other common signs include feeling unusually tired or having trouble sleeping, losing interest in activities once enjoyed, and avoiding social situations.
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nerviosa is a psychiatric condition that affects approximately 1% of women and 0.5% of men at some point in their lives. It is also known as “eating disorders” because people with anorexia often lose weight through starvation.
The Diagnosis Process
Anorexia nervosas symptoms usually begin when a person is between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. They typically develop gradually over several months and continue until the person reaches full recovery. In addition to losing weight, people with anorexia suffer from other psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive behaviors.
Anorexia Nervosa Common Symptoms
People who have anorexia nervosa often lose more than 20% of their ideal body weight. This weight loss can cause severe medical complications, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, bone density loss, and heart failure. Other common signs of anorexia nervosas include amenorrhea (the absence of menstrual periods), insomnia, and excessive exercise.
Anorexia Nervosa Causes
Anorexia nervosas are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Biological factors include genetics, hormones, and brain chemistry. Psychological factors include personality traits, self-esteem, and family dynamics. Social factors include peer pressure, cultural norms, and societal expectations. Environmental factors include access to food, availability of healthy foods, and access to healthcare.