Anorexia Nervosa

What is Anorexia Nervosa ❓

A mental health condition relating to the disturbance of eating 🍒

A person will deliberately lose weight

Risk factors: being female, adolescent (10-19), mental health problems, society’s ideals, family history 👩

What are the Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa ❓

Agitation/anxiety/fear around food & weight gain

Low body mass index (BMI) 📉

Excessive behaviour (e.g. over exercise, vomiting)

Distortion of body image

Dizziness/fainting/fatigue 💤

Hormonal/cardiovascular disturbance

How do you Diagnose Anorexia Nervosa ❓

Patient symptoms & history

Medical assessment (questionnaire) 📋

General examination

Blood tests (e.g. blood count, glucose, kidneys) 💉

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

How do you Treat Anorexia Nervosa ❓

Referral to specialists & mental health services

Monitoring/support & therapy

Medical/psychiatric admission 🏥

Why should I Worry about Anorexia Nervosa ❓

Can severely affect mental health 😪

Low body weight can be life-threatening

Social difficulties and reduced life prospects 👫

Serious complications (e.g. infertility, kidney disease, thin bones)