Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms: Early Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Uncovered: Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorders are severe mental illnesses with disturbances in eating habits. One of the most well-known diseases is anorexia nervosa, also called anorexia. Even with ample awareness and support for mental health, most cases remain undetected until the disease has progressed to a severe point.

Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening condition that raises the tendency to commit suicide, especially among young women. Hence, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms of anorexia nervosa, complications and available treatments. Keep reading to get a detailed insight.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa can be described as an exaggerated fear of gaining weight, a distorted view of body image, and persistent behaviours to prevent weight gain. Individuals with this disorder tend to perceive themselves as overweight even when they are severely underweight. It is also estimated that 0.3% to 1.5% of women have experienced anorexia in their lifetime.

Consequently, this leads to extreme dietary restriction, excessive exercise, and even purging behaviours, such as the use of laxatives or other purging methods. Though commonly associated with adolescent girls and young women, anorexia can affect anyone of any age, gender, or ethnicity.

What are the Early Warning Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa?

The warning signs of anorexia include various types of symptoms, such as physical, behavioural, and psychological signs. The signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa may not be visible to others from the outside, as these individuals also tend to hide their weight, eating habits, or physical issues.

Physical Symptoms

1. Sudden Weight Changes

The leading indicator of anorexia is sudden and inexplicable weight loss. While such a loss of weight may be admired in weight-conscious cultures, it is a significant warning sign if it occurs without a medical cause or is accompanied by intense dieting.

2. Fatigue and Dizziness

Low caloric intake may cause chronic fatigue, dizziness, and even syncope. Anorexic patients find it difficult to invest energy in even daily activities.

3. Cold Intolerance

Due to decreased body fat and metabolic rate adjustments, people often feel cold or require multiple layers of clothing even in warm conditions.

4. Brittle Nails and Hair Loss

Malnutrition impacts skin, hair, and nails. The hair can become dry and fall out, and the nails can become brittle and break easily.

5. Amenorrhoea (Lack of Menstrual Cycles)

In females, anorexia usually leads to the cessation of menstrual periods, frequently an early physical indicator of the body experiencing stress from starvation.

6. Gastrointestinal Disorders

Constipation, bloating, and pain in the abdomen are common in anorexia due to reduced food intake and slowed digestion.

Behavioural Symptoms

1. Obsessive Calorie Counting

Anorexia patients become fixated with calorie counting, measuring portions of food, or excluding whole groups of food that are "fattening".

2. Eating Secretly or Skipping Meals

Missing meals regularly, excusing oneself to avoid meals, or eating alone are behavioural signs that may indicate someone is struggling with an eating disorder.

3. Preoccupation with Food

Ironically, individuals with anorexia often spend a significant amount of time preoccupied with food—reading recipes, watching cooking shows, or cooking meals for others while starving themselves.

4. Social Withdrawal from Situations

It is common to miss meals with others or family members, especially at parties that revolve around food. Social withdrawal may also result from depression or anxiety, which frequently accompany anorexia.

5. Ritualistic Eating Habits

This encompasses the process of cutting food into extremely fine pieces, rearranging food on the plate, eating slowly before swallowing, or consuming foods in a particular sequence.

Psychological Symptoms

1. Distorted Body Image

Possibly the most characteristic symptom of anorexia is body dysmorphia, or the obsession with the belief that one is fat when one is not.

2. Perfectionism

The majority of those with anorexia are perfectionists, having unrealistically high expectations in nearly every aspect of their lives, including body image, school, and sports.

3. Low Self-Esteem

Self-esteem becomes increasingly linked with body weight or shape. This may appear as perpetual self-criticism, body checking in the mirror, or comparing oneself to others.

4. Anxiety and Depression

Mood disorders are also prevalent in anorexia. Ongoing sadness, irritability, or feelings of worthlessness should be taken very seriously.

What is the Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa?

The treatment for anorexia nervosa includes four main goals. These include:

• Restore the nutrition to healthy levels
• Stabilise the weight loss that occurred
• Manage the eating behaviour disorder
• Treat the underlying psychological issues

These goals can be achieved by a combination of nutrition therapy, psychological evaluation and therapy, medication, and hospitalisation (in severe cases). A significant challenge in treatment is addressing anosognosia, or a lack of insight into the illness, which is a common symptom of anorexia itself. Motivational interviewing and building trust are crucial first steps.

What are the Complications of Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms?

The effects of malnutrition and starvation impact almost every organ and tissue in the body. This organ damage over time can become irreversible; that is, even after recovering from anorexia, the organ may not completely recover.

Anorexia not only disrupts physical health but also relationships and mental health. The adverse complications of untreated anorexia include:

• Osteoporosis and tooth enamel erosion
• Rapid skeletal muscle disintegration (rhabdomyolysis)
• Extensive and irreversible damage to the renal and hepatic systems
• Cardiac failure or cardiac arrest
• Infertility
• Stunted growth in children with delayed adolescence
• Suicidal tendency and self-sabotaging attitude

Anorexia nervosa is the second-most fatal psychiatric illness, after opiate addiction. It warrants immediate attention and care. The appropriate method of treatment includes both medication and counselling. Understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa helps manage the condition, improving quality of life.