Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is characterized by:
Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements leading to a significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight
Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight
Warning Signs
Inability to eat or highly restrictive eating, including avoidance of entire food groups (e.g. fats or carbs) leading to weight loss
Intense, persistent fear of gaining weight
Continuous dieting
Excessive facial/body hair because of inadequate protein in the diet
Compulsive exercise
Abnormal weight loss
Sensitivity to cold
Absent or irregular menstruation
Hair loss
Dry hair and skin
Preoccupation with cooking for others but not eating
Wearing baggy clothing
Sleep disturbance/fatigue
Abnormal eating behaviors or rituals including precise measuring or weighing of food, extremely slow eating, hiding or stashing food served at mealtime for disposal.
Health Complications
Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness
Amenorrhea (cessation of menstrual cycle)
Abnormally slow and/or irregular heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Anemia
Poor circulation in hands and feet
Muscle loss and weakness (including the heart)
Dehydration, which may result in kidney failure
Edema/swelling
Memory loss/disorientation
Chronic constipation
Growth of lanugo hair (a very fine, downy layer of hair on the body and face grown in an effort to keep the body warm)
Bone density loss (Osteoporosis)