Definition:

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by self induced starvation and extreme weight loss. Symptoms include: a refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight (85% or less) for height, body type, age, and activity level; an intense fear of being "fat" or gaining weight; feeling "fat" or overweight despite dramatic weight loss; a disturbance in the way one's body is perceived (distorted body image); amenorrhea (the loss of three or more consecutive menstrual cycles); and extreme concern/distress with body weight and shape.

DSM IV Clinical Definition:

1. Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less 85% of that expected; or failure to make expected weight gain during a period or growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected. 2. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight. 3. Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight. 4. In postmenarchial females, the absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles.

Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia:

Distorted Body Image (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)  Drastic weight loss and weight is still dropping  Intense fear/anxiety about gaining weight  Preoccupation with weight, calories, food, etc.  Feelings of guilt after eating  Denial of hunger  Low self-esteem  Avoids many social situations, and withdraws from usual friends and activities  Constant excuses for not eating  Frequent comments about feeling "fat" despite weight loss.  Excessively and compulsively exercises  Constant complaints of being cold  Develops certain food rituals  Paleness, dizziness, or fainting spells  Intense, dramatic mood swings  Gaunt appearance, yellowish skin-tone, and dark circles below the eyes  Cessation of a period for three or more consecutive cycles  Exhaustion and Fatigue  Wearing loose clothing  Abuse of laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics  Hair loss

Medical Complications of Anorexia:

Amenorrhea (cessation of menstrual cycle)  Severe dehydration that can lead to kidney failure  Memory loss and disorientation  Fainting and Fatigue  Chronic Constipation  Muscle loss and weakness (including heart)  Abnormally slow, irregular heartbeat that can lead to heart failure  Bone density loss, leads to osteoporosis  Shrunken organs  Fluid and Electrolyte imbalances  DEATH   To find out if you or someone you know maybe suffering from Anorexia Click Here. To find out why people develop Anorexia Click Here. To find out how to approach a loved one who is battling, Click here. To find treatment in your area for Anorexia Click Here. To find suggested reading lists on Anorexia Click Here. To find personal stories on individuals who overcame Anorexia, Click Here.