Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa (BSL) | Anorexia nervosa (audio) | Anorexia nervosa (easy read)
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It's a serious mental health condition that can be life threatening.
It can affect people from all backgrounds and communities, and it can start at any age, though it most often begins in the teenage years or early adulthood.
Sometimes people with anorexia nervosa don't realise how serious their condition is, which can make it harder to seek help.
People with anorexia nervosa are very concerned about their weight, body shape and the calories they eat and drink. They may limit their food and drink and set strict rules around it, and they may also exercise excessively.
They may use other ways to try to control their weight too, such as taking laxatives or making themselves vomit after eating.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Speak to your GP practice and ask for an urgent appointment if you think you have an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa, or if you notice symptoms such as:
- rapid weight loss
- very low weight
- collapsing or fainting
- dizziness
- tiredness or fatigue
- weakness
- dehydration
- muscle spasms
- pins and needles
- irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- chest pain
- high levels of distress, such as feeling very upset, agitated and uncomfortable
Beat has more information on planning an appointment, how to talk to your GP and what will happen at an appointment.
If you feel it would help you, you can take a friend or family member to your appointment.
It can be difficult to know what the right questions to ask at an appointment are. It's ok to ask; Beat has some ideas that may be helpful.
Helping someone else with anorexia nervosa
If someone close to you is showing signs of anorexia nervosa, you can offer help and support.
You could try talking to them about how they feel, and encourage them to think about getting help. Try not to put pressure on them or be critical of them, as this could make things worse. You could also offer to go with the person to see their GP.
Anorexia nervosa can often make people think they are making positive changes or are not as ill as they really are. They can be unable to recognise the harmful effects of anorexia nervosa. This can be a challenging conversation to have with your loved one.
If you would like some advice on how to help, speak to a healthcare professional for information on:
- how to help the person recognise that they have a problem
- the treatments available
- how you can support them during their treatment
Beat has more information about how to support someone with anorexia. SupportED has information on caring for someone with an eating disorder. Cared has information for families and carers of people with eating disorders. Feast has information for parents of those with an eating disorder.
Diagnosis
When your GP is working out what's going on, they'll likely ask about your weight and eating habits. For example, they might:
- ask if you've lost a lot of weight recently, or quite quickly
- ask how you feel about your weight, and if it worries you
- ask if you make yourself sick on a regular basis
- check if you have periods, whether they've stopped and, if so, for how long
- check your weight (if this feels frightening, you can ask not to be told the number)
- check your pulse and blood pressure
- do a blood test
Try to answer these questions honestly. Your GP isn't judging you; they simply need an accurate picture of your symptoms.
BEAT have more information on planning an appointment, how to talk to your GP and what happens during one.
Referral to a specialist
If your GP thinks you may have anorexia nervosa, they'll refer you to a specialist in eating disorders for a more detailed assessment.
If you're not referred to a specialist service, support is still available through services like:
- BEAT
- SupportED
Treatment
Recovery from anorexia nervosa is possible, though it can take time and looks different for each person.
Effective treatments exist for anorexia nervosa. Recovery usually means working with a mental health team, along with dietetic support and talking therapies. Some people also need extra help with their physical health or other treatments alongside this.
Starting treatment as early as possible helps lower the risk of serious complications.
Treatment for anorexia nervosa differs slightly between adults and those under 18.
The psychological therapies matrix for Anorexia Nervosa sets out which therapies are likely to help you most, based on your needs and the current evidence.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
You may be offered CBT, either on your own or in a group. CBT is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings and behaviour are connected and influence one another.
Learn more about psychological therapies
Family Based Treatment
Family Based Treatment (FBT) brings the whole family into solving a child or young person's eating disorder. In FBT, parents and carers play an essential role as part of the treatment team.
Interpersonal psychotherapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy looks at the link between relationships, feelings and eating behaviours.
Psychological treatments for children and young people
Family Based Treatment (FBT) brings the whole family into solving a child or young person's eating disorder. In FBT, parents and carers play an essential role as part of the treatment team.
CBT may also be used.
Beat has more information about treatment for anorexia
SIGN guidelines for eating disorders
Complications
Complications of anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa can cause other physical health complications.
Some people can be at higher risk of physical complications. This means they should be regularly monitored by a healthcare professional. This includes people who:
- have a very low weight
- lose weight quickly
- are making themselves sick several times a day
- are regularly using laxatives
People with anorexia nervosa have an increased risk of:
- health problems caused by malnutrition
- an imbalance of vitamins and minerals
- problems with the heart and blood vessels – including poor circulation, an irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, heart valve disease, heart failure, and swollen ankles, feet and legs (oedema)
- having a weakened immune system or anaemia
- low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia)
- kidney, liver or bowel problems
- problems with muscles and bones – including feeling tired and weak, osteoporosis (fragile bones), and problems with physical development in children and young adults
- problems with the brain and nerves – including difficulties with concentration and memory
- loss of sex drive (libido) and impotency in men
- dental problems, like tooth decay caused by regular vomiting
If you feel unwell with any of these symptoms you should contact a healthcare professional.
NHS Tayside have a podcast on Spotify discussing a young person and a carers experiences of recovery
Refeeding Syndrome
Refeeding Syndrome can happen when someone who is malnourished starts eating. If food is introduced too quickly it can cause serious complications due to an imbalance in vitamins and minerals.
It’s important to speak to a healthcare professional if you’re significantly malnourished and are starting to eat again. They will be able to help you safely introduce food.
Anorexia nervosa and pregnancy
Anorexia nervosa can lead to irregular menstrual cycles (periods), or cause your periods to stop altogether. Your period should return during your recovery when you’re at a healthier weight.
You should continue to use birth control if you aren’t planning a pregnancy, even if your periods are irregular or have stopped.
If you have anorexia nervosa and are trying to become pregnant, you should discuss this with your GP and care team.
Anorexia nervosa during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, like:
- miscarriage
- giving birth early (premature birth)
- having a baby with a low birth weight
You’re also likely to need extra care and support during pregnancy if you have previously had anorexia nervosa and recovered from it. You should discuss this with your midwife.
Further support
Find information and services that can offer advice and support about eating disorders
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