Anorexia Nervosa Disorder Treatment
Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a person’s severe fear of gaining weight as well as a misperception of body shape or size. Sufferers are reluctant to maintain a minimal weight which leads to amenorrhea (cessation of menstrual period) among postmenarcheal women. The criteria of Anorexia Nervosa is met if the person has a body mass index (BMI) equal or below 17.5 kg/m2.
The self-esteem of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa is highly linked to their weight and body shape. Losing weight is a source of pride and gaining weight is experienced as being undisciplined and lacking control. They often lack insight of their condition so clinicians need to rely on reports of family members and/or friends to obtain accurate information about these patients.
There are two subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa: restricting type and binge eating/purging type. Secondary depression and obsessive compulsive features (both associated and independent of food) are often present. The most effective treatment for Anorexia Nervosa is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
