Anorexia nervosa is a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder that affects individuals worldwide. Characterized by a distorted relationship with food, body weight, and self-perception, anorexia nervosa can have profound impacts on physical and mental health. At Orchard Park Hospital, we believe in providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help children and teens facing this challenging disorder.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa, as defined by the DSM-5-TR, includes three core criteria:
- Restricted Energy Intake: A significant reduction in food intake, leading to noticeably low body weight relative to age, sex, and developmental stage.
- Fear of Weight Gain: An intense fear of gaining weight or behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, even when underweight.
- Distorted Body Perception: A distorted view of one’s body shape or size, with an undue influence on self-worth or a lack of understanding of the medical risks associated with low body weight.
Two Main Subtypes:
- Restricting Type: Characterized by weight loss through extreme dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise, without binge-eating or purging behaviors.
- Binge-Eating/Purging Type: Involves episodes of binge-eating or purging (through vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics), often leading to even more severe health complications.
Severity Levels and Health Risks:
The severity of anorexia nervosa is determined based on Body Mass Index (BMI) in adults or BMI percentiles in children and adolescents:
- Mild: BMI ≥ 17 kg/m²
- Moderate: BMI between 16 and 16.99 kg/m²
- Severe: BMI between 15 and 15.99 kg/m²
- Extreme: BMI < 15 kg/m²
Anorexia nervosa’s effects extend beyond weight loss. Those with anorexia often experience depressed mood, social withdrawal, and insomnia. Physically, the condition can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications, and those with the binge-eating/purging type may experience even higher rates of impulsivity and risk behaviors, including substance abuse.
Prevalence and Onset:
Anorexia nervosa primarily affects young women in high-income, post-industrialized countries, though the disorder can impact individuals of all genders and backgrounds. The onset frequently occurs during adolescence or early adulthood and can be triggered by stressful life events such as moving away to college.
Emotional and Behavioral Characteristics:
In addition to physical symptoms, anorexia nervosa is often accompanied by obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Many individuals become preoccupied with thoughts of food, collecting recipes, or even hoarding food items. This can be exacerbated by prolonged under-nutrition, leading to heightened anxiety around eating in public, a desire to control their environment, and feelings of inadequacy.
Treatment and Hope:
Treatment for anorexia nervosa often involves a combination of medical supervision, nutritional counseling, and mental health support. With timely intervention, most individuals experience a remission within five years, though the journey requires dedication and ongoing support.
The crude mortality rate for anorexia nervosa is 5% per decade, with most deaths resulting from medical complications or suicide. These statistics underscore the importance of prompt treatment and a comprehensive support system.
How Orchard Park Hospital Can Help
At Orchard Park Hospital, our dedicated team understands the unique challenges of living with anorexia nervosa. We offer a safe and supportive environment where children and teens can receive the comprehensive care they need, including physical and emotional support, personalized treatment plans, and family involvement to foster healing.
