Maybe the best-known of all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition that affects people of all ages, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds and races. Despite this, anorexia nervosa treatment is normally needed first during early adolescence and among young women and girls. Among mental health diseases, including eating disorders, anorexia nervosa is the most dangerous, leading to health consequences and even death at a greater rate than any other disorder.

Because of this, families searching for anorexia nervosa treatment centers near them or far away should take great care to understand the different aspects of anorexia nervosa in adolescence and the treatment options available.

Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa Disorder FAQ

What is anorexia nervosa?

Eating disorders are very serious mental health conditions that include both medical and psychiatric aspects. Perhaps the most well-known types of eating disorder are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

As an eating disorder, anorexia nervosa contains some of the most classic symptoms. ​People requiring anorexia nervosa treatment normally greatly restrict their food and caloric intake, avoid meals and eating, engage in frequent diets, and in severe cases are malnourished and even emaciated. Anorexia nervosa recovery can require extensive psychiatric and medical treatment.

Who can develop anorexia nervosa?

People of all genders and nearly any age can develop an eating disorder. In recent years, anorexia nervosa has been observed in children as young as age 6, however. The normal onset is age 14 – 21, which of course are crucial developmental years, necessitating adolescent anorexia nervosa treatment in certain cases. While it’s true that females are more commonly diagnosed than males and people often begin showing signs of an eating disorder in adolescence, it’s also very possible for the disorder to present in adulthood.

. Current studies suggest that up to 7 percent of women in the US have had bulimia nervosa at some point in their life. Additionally, anorexia nervosa is the 3rd most common chronic illness among teen girls – a striking figure considering how extreme the health risks associated with it can be.

Can people be cured with anorexia nervosa treatment?

While most eating disorder treatment professionals don’t like to use the word “cured,” many people with eating disorders can enjoy a successful long-term recovery. With early intervention and a personalized treatment approach that matches the patient’s specific needs, recovery rates are high. In intensive cases, residential treatment programs might be necessary, but anorexia nervosa treatment centers nearby that offer a day treatment program may be a better option for adolescents who want to remain in school during treatment. After treatment, the chance of relapse greatly diminishes when teens have access to aftercare and a strong support system at home.

If a loved one is intentionally vomiting after meals but only some of the time, should parents be worried?

Yes. Anytime someone feels the need to purge after a meal, whether that means fasting or self-induced vomiting and laxative use – they are likely dealing with underlying psychological issues surrounding food, their body shape, and weight. While this doesn’t necessarily mean they are showing clear signs of either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, it could be an atypical form of either disorder, and the family needs to consider reaching out for help.

What signs of anorexia nervosa should I look out for?

Parents concerned about the adolescent onset of anorexia nervosa should keep their eyes out for several telltale signs. Most prominent will be a disordered body image (in that the teenager will be dissatisfied with her weight or convinced she is fat despite evidence to the contrary) and an avoidance of meals. People with anorexia nervosa will normally avoid eating as much as possible, even to the point of starving themselves. This behavior is often compounded by frequent dieting or avoiding certain kinds of food. Anorexia nervosa often includes compulsive exercising or the abuse of laxatives or diuretics.

If your daughter or an adolescent you love is showing these signs or symptoms, don’t hesitate. Reach out to your doctor or an eating disorder specialist as soon as possible. Anorexia nervosa can be beaten – it’s best to start early.

Shift Frequency © 2019 – Educational material