Anorexia Nervosa: Eating Disorder and Mental Illness

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental illness and eating disorder characterized by body dysmorphia, fear of weight gain, and an obsessive desire to lose weight and avoid food.
Body dysmorphia is a distorted self-body image, where individuals perceive their body as larger than it actually is.

AN is medically classified as "anorexic" and is distinct from the medical condition "anorexia," which is weight loss and wasting secondary to an illness.
Diagnosis requires a combination of psychological assessments and physical examinations to rule out medical conditions that may cause anorexia.
Diagnostic criteria for AN include body dysmorphia, intentional food restriction, and a phobia of weight gain.

There are two types of AN: binge-eating type and restricting type.
Binge-eating type involves limiting caloric intake, followed by self-induced vomiting to achieve a sense of calm.
Restricting type involves severe limitations on caloric intake, with no episodes of binge-eating or self-induced vomiting.

Extreme weight loss, dizziness, abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure, and fatigue are common physical symptoms of AN.
These symptoms result from low-calorie and low-nutrient intake, which can lead to hair loss, skin changes, and tooth enamel erosion.

Fear of weight gain, distorted body image, repeated dieting, fasting, skipping meals, obsession with food, and excessive exercise are common behavioral and emotional symptoms of AN.
Mood symptoms such as flat affect, irritability, and social withdrawal may also occur.

Teenage girls and women under 40 are at the highest risk of developing AN, although it can affect anyone.
Contributing factors include genetics, cultural influences, recent stressful events, and repeated dieting.

AN treatment involves a team approach by medical professionals, including doctors, nutritionists, and therapists, with the goal of restoring a healthy weight and addressing underlying psychological issues.
Medications are not typically the first line of treatment, and medical interventions include monitoring overall health, nutrition counseling, and therapy.
Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases, providing a supportive environment for recovery.