1 min
What is anorexia?
What is anorexia?
Anorexia is an eating disorder and a serious mental health condition. If someone has anorexia, they will try to keep their weight as low as possible to the detriment of their physical health. This is usually done through the restriction of food, making themselves vomit and excessive exercise.
Anorexia can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Although it’s more commonly reported in women, more recently, it has also started to become increasingly common in men.
Anorexia symptoms and warning signs
People suffering from anorexia tend to hide their behaviour from loved ones.
But some of the most common signs to look out for are:
- Missing meals, eating very little or avoiding certain types of food
- Obsessively counting calories in food
- Leaving the table immediately after eating in order to vomit
- Taking laxatives and appetite suppressants
- Physical problems like feeling lightheaded, dizzy, hair loss or dry skin
- Repeated weighing and mirror-checking
Individuals with anorexia can also suffer from anxiety, depression and self-harm.
Types of treatment for anorexia
Our team has considerable experience working with eating disorders. A multidisciplinary approach is often recommended for the treatment of anorexia.
Alongside psychiatric and psychological treatment, we’re also likely to work closely with your GP and a nutritionist or dietician.
Frequently asked questions
When should I seek help for anorexia?
Anorexia is a very serious mental health disorder so if you suspect you – or a loved one – is suffering from symptoms of anorexia, it is important that you seek help immediately.
Which treatments are most effective for anorexia?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) are generally considered to be the most effective treatments for anorexia. Treatment will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team which means you are likely to see a psychiatrist, a psychologist as well as a nutritionist.
When would I need in-patient treatment for anorexia?
This depends on how severe your symptoms are. If your body max index has dropped below 18, this is a concerning sign and it would suggest that you need to be in an in-patient setting. The focus will be on helping you gain weight and also moderating some of the effects that starvation can have on the brain.
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