Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that interferes with maintaining an adequate weight. It is a psychological condition, in which individuals restrict food and obsessively control weight in order to stay thin, as it is believed that thinness equals self-worth. These individuals often have a distorted sense of body image or even body dysmorphic disorder . Though this condition most often affects young girls and women, it can occur in anyone. Many individuals with anorexia nervosa often also struggle with depression , anxiety , social anxiety , obsessive-compulsive disorder , and may have a history of trauma or PTSD . Individuals with anorexia may try to lose weight through starvation, exercising excessively, or vomiting. 

Warning signs of anorexia nervosa may include: 

• Extreme thinness
• Fear of gaining weight 
• Irritability 
• Insomnia
• An intense preoccupation with food
• Weight loss (or a lack of appropriate weight gain in children) 
• Frequent abdominal pain or gastrointestinal concerns
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Feeling cold all the time
• Low iron or anemia 
• Social withdrawal 
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Perfectionism or wanting to be or look perfect 
• Dressing in clothing that disguises one’s body shape
• Not feeling hungry
• Making excuses to avoid meals 
• Self-harm
• Suicidal ideation 

Anorexia nervosa can lead to many health conditions including heart problems, fatigue, dizziness or fainting, hair loss, irregular periods, constipation, infertility, discoloration of skin, low blood pressure, dehydration, osteoporosis, and in some cases can be fatal.