Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening eating disorder that manifests in extremely low body weight, distorted body image, inability to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) and an intense fear of weight gain. Students who have been diagnosed with anorexia may severely limit their food intake, purge after meals, exercise more than is healthy or take laxatives or other supplements in an attempt to lose weight or suppress their appetites.
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Symptoms
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), an individual may be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa if he or she exhibits the following criteria:
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Restricting calories (energy-intake needs), resulting in a significantly lower body weight than what is healthy based on age, development, physical health and gender
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Fearing any type of weight gain, even if one is already below a healthy weight
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Inability to see one’s body weight or shape in rational terms (such as thinking one is overweight when actually underweight) or the denial of the harmful effects of one’s current low body weight
Anorexia has a wide range of physical symptoms, including:
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Extreme weight loss
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Fatigue
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Dizziness or fainting
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Dry or yellowish skin
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Problems sleeping
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Constantly feeling cold
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The appearance of fine hair across the body (called lanugo)
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Changes to hair, including thinning, brittleness or loss
And behavioral symptoms, including:
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Frequent negative comments about appearance or feeling overweight
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Avoidance of mealtimes or eating in front of others
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Refusal to eat certain individual foods or categories of foods (such as carbs, fats, etc.)
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Excessive exercise even in the event of illness or injury
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A withdrawal from usual social activity or friendships
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A development of ritualistic behavior around food (such as the need to eat food in a certain way or order)
NEDA provides a full list of physical and behavioral symptoms.
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How it’s treated
When left untreated, anorexia can drastically impact a person’s mental and physical health. When treating this type of eating disorder, a three-pronged approach is typically employed to ensure patients receive the holistic care needed to recover physically and emotionally:
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1: Health
Medical professionals lead this critical first step in the treatment plan to establish if the patient is experiencing any severe health problems. Malnutrition from anorexia can cause organ malfunction, an unstable heartbeat and many other serious conditions. These factors need to be assessed and stabilized immediately before any additional treatment is given.
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2: Nutrition
Once any medical concerns are treated and stabilized, nutritional experts create a plan to bring patients to a healthy weight while also providing a tailored meal plan to help establish healthy eating patterns. Patients also work with a nutritionist or registered dietician to overcome food phobias and move towards recovery.
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3: Mental Wellness
The final piece of treatment addresses the underlying mental health issues that made it possible for anorexia to take root in the first place. Patients work with counselors, therapists or licensed psychiatrists to identify the underlying issues, develop coping mechanisms and find healthy ways to deal with difficult emotions or life events.
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1: Health
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Resources
On Campus-
Nutrition Clinics.Many schools, such as the University of Michigan, are beginning to offer nutrition clinics staffed with registered dieticians who can help students struggling with anorexia nervosa face their issues with food.
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Mental Health Centers.Most schools offer resources for students struggling with eating or body image issues through their mental health centers, such as The Mindful Eating Program offered at The University of Texas at Austin.
In Your Community
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Local Support Groups.NEDA maintains a comprehensive list of locally-based associations and community outreach programs across the country.
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Treatment Centers.Organizations like the Center for Change provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals seeking in-patient treatment for anorexia nervosa. You can find a list of treatment options and support groups through ANAD.
Online
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Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders. ANRED provides information on anorexia, including warning signs, resources for self-help and tools for parents of adolescents struggling with this type of eating disorder.
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National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD). This national nonprofit offers assistance in finding support groups, recovery mentors, grocery buddies and treatment centers to individuals who want to put anorexia behind them.
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