Anorexia nervosa

Alternative names:

eating disorder - anorexia nervosa

Treatment:

The purpose of treatment is to restore normal body weight and eating habits, and resolve any psychological issues. Hospitalization may be indicated in some cases. Supportive care by health care providers, structured behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and anti-depressive drug therapy are some of the methods that are used for treatment. Severe malnutrition may require intravenous feeding.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See eating disorders - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

Experienced treatment programs have a two-thirds success rate in restoring normal weight. Half of the people affected with this disorder continue to experience eating and psychological problems. Death may occur from complications of the disorder or from suicide in up to 6% of the cases. Weight management may be difficult and long-term treatment may be necessary to help maintain a healthy body weight.

Complications:

• dehydration
• cardiac arrhythmias
• shock
• electrolyte imbalance (such as hypokalemia)
• severe malnutrition

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms suggestive of anorexia nervosa are present.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if fainting, irregular pulse, seizures, or other severe symptoms develop in a person with anorexia nervosa.