Anorexia Nervosa | Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | UK Support & Recovery

Anorexia Nervosa: Signs, Causes, and Support

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading individuals to restrict their food intake severely. It primarily affects young people but can impact anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa, often just called anorexia, is more than just dieting or wanting to lose weight. It’s a complex mental health condition that affects both the mind and body. People with anorexia often see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs of anorexia nervosa include:

• Extreme weight loss or failure to gain weight during growth periods

• Restricting food intake and obsessing over calories

• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat

• Distorted body image and low self-esteem

• Excessive exercise to burn calories

• Withdrawal from social activities, especially those involving food

• Physical symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, thinning hair, brittle nails, and cold intolerance

Causes and Risk Factors

Anorexia is influenced by a mix of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors. These include:

• Family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions

• Societal pressures emphasising thinness and beauty standards

• Traumatic experiences or stressful life changes

• Perfectionist or obsessive personality traits

• Coexisting mental health issues such as anxiety or depression

Health Risks

If untreated, anorexia nervosa can lead to serious complications, including:

• Malnutrition and severe weight loss

• Heart and kidney problems

• Bone density loss (osteoporosis)

• Hormonal imbalances, affecting menstruation and fertility

• Increased risk of suicide

Treatment and Support

Recovery from anorexia is possible, but it usually requires professional support. Treatments may include:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often used to address distorted thoughts and behaviours.

• Nutritional counselling: Helps develop a healthier relationship with food.

• Medical monitoring: To manage physical health risks.

• Family therapy: Especially useful for adolescents.

• Medication: Sometimes prescribed to treat coexisting conditions like anxiety or depression.

In the UK, treatment is typically available through the NHS via GP referral to specialist eating disorder services.

How to Help Someone with Anorexia

If you know someone who might be struggling with anorexia:

• Approach them with kindness and without judgment.

• Encourage professional help but avoid pressuring them.

• Support them in finding resources or treatment options.

• Educate yourself about the disorder to better understand their experience.

• Be patient, recovery can be a long process with ups and downs.

Resources in the UK

• NHS Eating Disorders Service: Accessible through GP referral.

• Beat Eating Disorders: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk A leading UK charity providing support and information.

• Mind: www.mind.org.uk Offers guidance on eating disorders and mental health support.

Anorexia nervosa is a challenging but treatable condition. With the right help and support, individuals can recover and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. If you or someone you care about is affected, reach out early help is available.

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