Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, or anorexia, is an eating disorder and mental health condition.
When a person develops anorexia, they have a fear of gaining body weight and try to keep themselves thin by not eating enough food. They often think of themselves as fat, even when they are underweight.
Anorexia affects men and women of any age; however, it generally starts between 12 to 25 years and is more common in females.

Seek urgent help if you have rapidly lost weight for longer than a few weeks, lost weight over three months, or think your eating is out of control. Speak to your family doctor (GP) if any of these happening to you or a young person you care for.

People with anorexia have a distorted body image and show the following signs:

fear of gaining weight or being fat
obsessed with their weight
anxious about eating
lacking in self-confidence and have low self-esteem
irritable and moody
focused on high standards and perfection

Common symptoms:

a lower weight and height for their age (18 years and under)
unusually low Body Mass Index (BMI)
weight loss, dizziness, hair loss
feeling cold and weak
low blood pressure
difficulty sleeping and concentrating
menstrual cycles (periods) that are irregular or completely stop
self-starvation

The exact causes of anorexia are unknown and can be different for each person with the condition. The following factors can contribute to the cause:

family influences and history, for example if a parent is concerned with body image, weight and food intake
genetics - if a close relative has had an eating disorder, or mental health conditions run in the family
brain chemical imbalances
bullying – peers at school are commenting on body size or eating habits
sexual abuse – this can cause low self-esteem that can lead to anorexia
other mental health conditions – obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), autism, and anxiety have all been shown to be linked to the development of anorexia

Support and treatment are available through CAMHS for children and young people with specific eating disorders. If you have concerns about yourself, your child or young person, we would always advise speaking to your family doctor (GP). They will ask you about your eating patterns, about your history of weight change and will ask to check your physical health. They may also suggest you have a referral to CAMHS.

Early support and treatment are recommended for people with eating disorders. This is why it’s important to speak to your GP if you or people around you are concerned about your eating. The resources below can give you some advice with eating problems and may help you if you choose to seek advice from your family doctor (GP).

Anorexia and Bulimia Care: provides ongoing care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders and eating distress.
Beat Eating Disorders: a charity with a mission to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.
Eating Disorders Support: provides guidance and support on the journey to recovery from an eating disorder.