Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious, life-threatening eating disorder. People with anorexia nervosa fear weight gain and may obsessively diet and exercise, even to the point of starvation. About 1% of the population has anorexia nervosa, and it’s more common in women than men.

Who is affected by anorexia nervosa

Although anorexia nervosa is not common, affecting only 5 to 10 people out of every 100,000 people, it is a growing problem.¹ Anorexia nervosa is more common in industrialized countries, where lack of food is not generally a problem and thinness is prized.

You are more likely to develop anorexia nervosa if you:²

• Are female. Although males can develop anorexia, it is rare. For every 10 females who develop anorexia, approximately 1 male does.
• Are a white adolescent from a Western society, although people all over the world from all races and age groups develop anorexia.
• Participate in sports or work in a profession that requires a certain body type. Examples include:
  • Athletes (such as runners, wrestlers, figure skaters, swimmers, gymnasts, or jockeys).
  • Models.
  • Ballet dancers.
  • Actors.
• Have a sister, brother, or parent who has anorexia.

Other conditions that can occur with anorexia nervosa

It is not clear whether other mental health disorders occur before or as a result of anorexia nervosa. Treatment can be difficult when a person has anorexia along with other mental health disorders. Some of the most common mental health disorders that can be present with anorexia include:¹

• Depression, which occurs in up to 50 out of 100 people who have anorexia.
• Irrational fears (phobias), including social anxiety disorder.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, marked by a drive for perfectionism, orderliness, and control.
• Panic disorder or panic attacks.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Substance abuse, which can increase the risk of death in those who also have anorexia.
• Body dysmorphic disorder, which is an imagined belief that there is a defect in your body or your physical appearance even though none exists, such as seeing yourself as fat when you are thin.

Anorexia: Developing trust in the people who are helping you

Sometimes people who have anorexia find it difficult to trust the family, friends, health professionals, and other caring people who are trying to help them. There are many reasons for this, ranging from anxiety about losing control and gaining weight to confused thinking because of malnutrition. And, it can be hard to trust a whole new way of eating, exercising, and taking care of yourself.
If you are diagnosed with an eating disorder, it may take some time to develop trust in the people who are trying to help. However, you can do it with practice.

• Listen to what others are saying about healthy eating. Avoid looking for ways to argue back.
• Ask to read some information that supports what others say about food.
• Learn about what is included in a balanced diet. Then discuss what you have learned with the people who are trying to help.
• Let people know how you are feeling. Listen to how others are feeling.
• Try to concentrate on one goal at a time. This helps to keep things simple.
• Accept support and feedback from other people.
• Focus on your breathing to calm yourself when you start to feel anxious.

 (Suu tam)