Diseases & Conditions

Anorexia - Anorexia Nervosa

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person refuses to maintain a healthy weight for his or her age and height. It is a self-imposed starvation resulting from a distorted body image. The individual typically loses 25% or more of his or her original body weight.

What is going on in the body?

People with anorexia nervosa have an overwhelming fear of obesity. They see themselves as fat, even when they are malnourished. They will deny hunger, even when they are starving. Body protein and fat stores become depleted.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is unknown. It is believed to be a result of psychological, biological, and social stress. It may be related to sexual development during adolescence. Some experts believe that anorexia nervosa is a response to social attitudes that equate beauty with being thin. Anorexia is extremely rare in areas of the world where food is scarce. There is also evidence that anorexia nervosa runs in families and can be inherited.

Anorexia nervosa occurs most often in females between the ages of 12 and 21. It is most common in middle- and upper-class females. However, it may also occur in males and adult women.

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Individuals with anorexia often have the following characteristics:

  • behavior that isolates them from others
  • excessive dependency needs
  • flat affect, or a face that doesn't display normal emotions
  • immaturity
  • obsessive-compulsive behavior
  • tendency toward an excess of exercise or other physical activity
  • The malnutrition caused by anorexia can affect many body systems. Some common symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

  • amenorrhea, or absence of menstruation
  • arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats
  • constipation
  • delayed puberty
  • difficulty concentrating, apathy, or irritability
  • fatigue
  • slow pulse and low blood pressure that can cause fainting
  • If people repeatedly make themselves vomit to keep their weight down, they may develop:

  • erosion of the tooth enamel, leading to cavities
  • esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus which can cause heartburn
  • An individual with anorexia may also show symptoms of depression or drug abuse.

    Diagnosis & Tests

    How is the disease diagnosed?

    Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider may order tests to check the person's health status, including:

  • abdominal X-ray to look for digestive tract problems
  • blood tests, such as a CBC
  • chest X-ray to check for heart problems or lung infection
  • an ECG, to check for heart problems
  • urinalysis, to check for dehydration and infection

  • Prevention & Expectations

    What can be done to prevent the disease?

    It may not be possible to prevent the onset of anorexia. However, it is very important to recognize and treat it early. The longer the disease goes on, the more difficult it is to treat.

    What are the long-term effects of the disease?

    Five to 10% of the individuals with diagnosed anorexia die from the condition. It can cause dehydration, malnutrition, and salt imbalances. It can affect the brain and muscles. It may also affect the reproductive tract, bowels, stomach, and other body organs. It can cause serious heart problems, including:

  • arrhythmias
  • congestive heart failure
  • sudden cardiac arrest and death
  • People with anorexia may have trouble developing healthy relationships. The person also may be limited in the ability to succeed at school and work.

    Treatment & Monitoring

    What are the treatments for the disease?

    The goals of treatment are to correct malnutrition and the underlying psychological problem. Weight gain is important. A team approach is most effective. This includes:

  • aggressive medical management
  • anxiety \ \ depression \ \eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia \ \ alcohol and drug abuse problems\ ',CAPTION,'Cognitive Behavioral Therapy');" onmouseout="return nd();">cognitive behavioral therapy
  • individual, group, and family psychotherapy
  • nutritional rehabilitation and counseling
  • Anorexia nervosa may be treated in the hospital or on an outpatient basis. The person's weight, cardiac status, and overall health are factors that influence the treatment options. Some people become so malnourished that they need to be fed through tubes to stay alive. While they are in the hospital, they will have strict rules about eating. In order to earn more privileges, they will have to eat a certain amount of food each day. They are expected to gain a certain amount of weight each week.

    A combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy are often effective for people with anorexia.

  • Cognitive therapy helps individuals identify and question the reality of their beliefs about eating and their weight. The therapist would help these individuals understand that, by staying so thin, they are actually damaging their bodies.
  • Behavioral therapy is designed to help change the behaviors that keep the illness going. For instance, the person may leave the dinner table after only a few minutes. A therapist may recommend sitting at the table for several hours. This may help overcome the person's fears about food.
  • Family therapy helps family members learn about the illness. They learn what they can do to help their loved ones recover. Sometimes, family problems need to be addressed before recovery can begin.
  • Medicines are rarely used to treat anorexia. If the person has significant depression, antidepressants may be used. Sometimes, cyproheptadine is used because it can stimulate appetite. However, it isn't usually effective. People with anorexia do feel hungry. They just choose not to eat.

    What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Antidepressants may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation.

    What happens after treatment for the disease?

    Psychotherapy usually continues for at least one year after treatment starts. Some individuals may need 5 to 6 years of therapy. People who recover from anorexia need to be aware that this illness can recur.

    How is the disease monitored?

    The individual will have regular visits with the healthcare provider. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the provider.


    Author:Michael Johnson, MD
    Date Written:
    Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
    Edit Date:06/30/01
    Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
    Date Reviewed:05/30/01