Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to as anorexia, is a common eating disorder with the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness after opioid use disorder. Anorexia can be associated with several different physical and mental health consequences. Anorexia is associated with food avoidance, severe food restriction, or eating in very small quantities.
The Kahm Center for Eating Disorders in Burlington, Vermont, offers outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa. Evidence-based therapies, nutrition plans, and regular testing are utilized to help individuals find anorexia recovery.
Anorexia nervosa is a mental health disorder that is classified as an eating disorder. Anorexia is often characterized by low body weight and an intense fear of gaining weight. This eating disorder can be emotionally and physically damaging and can begin to interfere with daily functioning.
Obsessions with food, body weight, and body shape are common with anorexia. Physical and mental consequences can occur without treatment. Proper treatment can improve quality of life, health problems, and mental health.
One of the most obvious signs that someone may have anorexia is drastic weight loss over a short period of time. People may also restrict their food intake, such as avoiding meals or only eating certain types of foods.
Here are some additional warning signs to consider if you suspect you or someone you know may be struggling with anorexia:
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), is a diagnostic tool that clinicians and researchers can use to diagnose and classify different mental disorders. Eating disorder classifications and diagnoses are included in the DSM-5.
The DSM-5 Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa:
During the last three months, the individual has not engaged in recurrent episodes of binge eating or purging behavior. Restricting type often presents with weight loss through dieting, fasting, and/or excessive exercise.
During the last three months, the individual has engaged in recurrent episodes of binge eating or purging behavior. These behaviors can include self-induced vomiting and the misuse of laxatives or enemas.
Similar to anorexia nervosa, however, individuals with this diagnosis are not considered underweight. Technically this disorder is classified under Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).
Anorexia has the potential to result in severe health consequences both in the long and short term. The more severe and longer an individual partakes in anorexic behaviors, the more severe and long-term health risks can become.
Health risks associated with anorexia can include:
Anorexia treatment at the Kahm Center for Eating Disorders includes collaboration with a therapist, dietitian, and doctor. Therapies that are commonly used in treatment can consist of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-based therapy (FBT). Individual therapy and group therapy are utilized in outpatient settings to help individuals struggling with anorexia.
The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at the Kahm Center for Eating Disorders takes place in Burlington, Vermont, and is held five hours per day, five days per week. PHP can be utilized as an intensive treatment that can provide a controlled environment to help develop healthy coping skills.
Individuals will be well suited for PHP treatment if they are medically stable, but anorexia still impairs their emotional and mental functioning. Individuals will receive support to avoid engaging in anorexic behaviors and gain skills to remain in recovery.
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) at the Kahm Center for Eating Disorders takes place in Burlington, Vermont, and is held for three hours per day, five days per week. This program is intended to be a step down from the PHP at the Kahm Center. IOP is less intensive, and requires fewer hours of participation.
Anorexia nervosa is a challenging type of eating disorder that is common throughout the United States. Anorexia can present with a restricting type that results in being underweight due to dieting, lack of eating, and overexercising. The other type of anorexia is the binge-eating/purging type that results from behaviors like self-induced vomiting or laxatives.
If you or a loved one are struggling with anorexia, reach out to the Kahm Center in Vermont today. At the Kahm Center for Eating Disorders, anorexia treatment can include therapy, nutrition plans, and structure that can help establish physical and nutritional health. Utilizing a nutritionist can help manage ongoing challenges with body image, food, and eating disorder behaviors.
