How to Identify Anorexia Symptoms

When a friend or family member is exhibiting signs of an eating disorder such as Anorexia or Bulimia, you may find yourself wondering how to properly identify Anorexia symptoms. In fact, it is helpful to know that Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by both physical and psychological markers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know the criteria.
   
   According to the DSM-IV, Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by: a) Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height, b) Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight, c) 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, and d) Amenorrhea, i.e., the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles

2. Review physical symptoms.
   
   Physical Anorexia symptoms include: low body weight (less than 85% of expected weight for her height), hair loss, dry skin, lanugo (growth of fine, downy body hair), bradycardia (slow heart rate), low body temperature, poor blood circulation, edema, hypotension (low blood pressure), vitamin deficiency, amenorrhea, cold intolerance, and dizziness. These are in fact only a handful of the many symptoms and complications that can arise from Anorexia Nervosa.

3. Review psychological and behavioral symptoms.
   
   Psychological and behavioral Anorexia symptoms include: an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, fear of eating in front of others, rituals centered around food or eating, being secretive about and/or hiding food, exercising compulsively, frequent weighing, and dressing in layers to conceal weight loss.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect that you or a loved one suffers from an eating disorder, the best step is to involve a psychiatric professional. Eating disorders are potentially fatal diseases, and should be treated as such.

Resources

• Treatment Manual for Anorexia Nervosa: A Family-Based Approach
• Dying to Be Thin: Understanding and Defeating Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia--A Practical, Lifesaving Guide
• 100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa
• Just a Little Too Thin: How to Pull Your Child Back from the Brink of an Eating Disorder

[SarahElizabeth]

on 11/11/2009 Thank you for this excellent article. I too suffered from anorexia when I was a teenager, and I still fight the mindset now that I'm in my twenties. I appreciate you sharing on this topic! 5*

[SarahElizabeth]

on 11/11/2009 Thank you for this excellent article. I too suffered from anorexia when I was a teenager, and I still fight the mindset now that I'm in my twenties. I appreciate you sharing on this topic! 5*

[djackman]

on 10/27/2009 Anorexia can be deadly, thanks for the identifyinf markers 5* and rec

[evascarlet]

on 10/27/2009 Thanks for reading-- I have actually struggled with anorexia for 11 long years, so it was easy pick to write about! I also share your hope that maybe it will help even one person who reads it--

[static404]

on 10/27/2009 Anorexia is a serious issue. Great job getting this important information out there. I hope it helps many.