Anorexia Nervosa

What anorexia nervosa means

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder recognized in the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11. In broad terms, it involves restriction of food intake leading to a significantly low body weight for a person’s age and health, together with an intense fear of gaining weight and a disturbed experience of body weight or shape. It can affect people of any gender, age, body size or background.

Psychologists and psychiatrists regard anorexia as a serious mental health condition with biological, psychological and social influences, including genetics, temperament, family and cultural factors. Because it can have significant effects on physical health, care usually involves both medical and psychological professionals. Recovery is possible, and earlier support is generally associated with better outcomes.

Talking to a professional

Eating disorders can be hard to recognize from the outside, and only a qualified professional can assess someone’s physical and mental health and recommend appropriate care. Medical monitoring is often an important part of support.

A primary care doctor (GP) is usually the first step and can arrange referral to specialist eating disorder services. Care teams may include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, dietitians and pediatricians. Family members who are worried about someone can also seek advice from these services or from national eating disorder charities.

Before an appointment, it can help to note down your questions, what you have noticed and any medicines you already take. It is reasonable to ask about the options available, what the research says about them and what happens next. Good clinicians welcome questions and explain things in plain language.

Learn more

To learn more, see our pages on body image, how to find a therapist and types of mental health professionals.