Anorexia nervosa Health Article

Signs and tests

A diagnosis of anorexia nervosa is not made until other causes of weight loss are ruled out. For example, extreme weight loss could be due to:

• Addison's disease
• Celiac disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Other metabolic, endocrine, digestive, or nervous system disorders

Tests will be done to help determine the cause of weight loss, or what damage the weight loss has caused. These tests may include:

• CHEM-20
• ECG
• LH response to GnRH
• Thyroid function tests
• Urinalysis

Treatment

The biggest challenge in treating anorexia nervosa is having the person recognize that the eating behavior is itself a problem, not a solution to other problems. However, most persons with anorexia nervosa deny that they have an eating disorder. Individuals often enter treatment when their condition is fairly advanced.

The goals of treatment are to first restore normal body weight and eating habits, and then to address the psychological issues.

A hospital stay may be needed if:

• The person has lost a lot of weight (below 30% of their ideal body weight for their age and height)
• Weight loss continues despite treatment
• Medical complications, such as heart rate problems, changes in mental status, low potassium levels, or mental status problems, develop
• The person has severe depression or thinks about committing suicide

Other treatment may include:

• Antidepressant drug therapy for depression
• Behavioral therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Supportive care

Severe and life-threatening malnutrition may require feedings through a vein.

Support Groups

See: Eating disorders - support group

Expectations (prognosis)

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially deadly medical condition. By some estimates, it leads to death in 10% of cases. Experienced treatment programs have a good success rate in restoring normal weight, but relapse is common.

Women who develop this eating disorder at an early age have a better chance of complete recovery. However, most people with anorexia will continue to prefer a lower body weight and be preoccupied with food and calories to some extent. Weight management may be difficult, and long-term treatment may be necessary to help maintain a healthy body weight.