Anorexia Nervosa

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by severe food restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight. People with this condition often have a distorted view of their body. They may see themselves as overweight even when dangerously underweight.

This disorder affects physical health, mental wellbeing, and relationships. It can lead to dangerous malnutrition and affect hormone balance, bone health, and organ function. Early detection through blood tests can help identify nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances before they cause lasting damage.

Anorexia nervosa is not about vanity or willpower. It is a complex mental health condition that requires professional support. Recovery is possible with the right treatment, medical monitoring, and compassionate care.

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Symptoms

Severe restriction of food intake and extremely low body weight
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
Distorted body image and denial of low body weight severity
Absence of menstrual periods in women
Fatigue, dizziness, and fainting
Brittle hair and nails, dry skin, and hair loss
Cold intolerance and feeling cold frequently
Constipation and stomach pain
Low blood pressure and slow heart rate
Difficulty concentrating and memory problems

Some people with anorexia nervosa may hide their symptoms or deny they have a problem. Early signs may be subtle, such as increasing food rules or excessive exercise.

Causes and risk factors

Anorexia nervosa develops from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions increases risk. Personality traits like perfectionism, anxiety, and rigid thinking often play a role. Cultural pressures emphasizing thinness and diet culture can trigger or worsen the condition.

Stressful life events, trauma, or major transitions may contribute to onset. Participation in activities that emphasize body size, such as modeling or certain sports, can increase vulnerability. Brain chemistry differences, particularly involving serotonin and dopamine, may affect appetite regulation and mood. The condition typically begins during adolescence or young adulthood, though it can develop at any age.

How it's diagnosed

Diagnosis involves a thorough medical evaluation, psychological assessment, and laboratory testing. A healthcare provider will assess eating patterns, weight history, physical symptoms, and mental health. Blood tests reveal important information about nutritional status, hormone levels, and organ function.

Rite Aid's blood testing service measures key biomarkers affected by anorexia nervosa, including hormones like leptin, prolactin, and luteinizing hormone. Tests also check zinc levels, carotene, bone health markers like C Telopeptide, and metabolic indicators like IGF-1 and SHBG. These tests help identify imbalances and guide treatment. Testing is available at over 2,000 Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide.

Treatment options

Work with a treatment team including a therapist, dietitian, and medical doctor
Cognitive behavioral therapy or family-based therapy to address thoughts and behaviors
Nutritional counseling to restore healthy eating patterns and weight
Medical monitoring to track vital signs, blood work, and organ function
Address underlying mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
Medication may help manage co-occurring anxiety, depression, or obsessive thoughts
Hospitalization or residential treatment for severe cases requiring intensive support
Support groups and peer connections for ongoing recovery
Regular blood testing to monitor nutritional and hormonal recovery
Long-term follow-up care to prevent relapse and maintain progress

Frequently asked questions

Early signs include preoccupation with food, calories, and weight. People may start skipping meals, avoiding certain food groups, or making excuses not to eat. Increased exercise, wearing baggy clothes, and withdrawing from social activities are common early behaviors. Physical signs like weight loss and fatigue may follow.

Blood tests cannot diagnose anorexia nervosa alone, but they reveal important clues about its effects on the body. Tests can detect nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and organ dysfunction. Abnormal levels of zinc, leptin, prolactin, and other biomarkers help guide treatment. Diagnosis requires both medical evaluation and psychological assessment.

Anorexia nervosa disrupts many hormones due to malnutrition and low body weight. Leptin levels drop significantly, affecting appetite regulation and metabolism. Prolactin may increase, leading to missed periods. Luteinizing hormone and other reproductive hormones decrease, which can stop menstruation. Low IGF-1 levels reflect poor nutrition and growth suppression.

Elevated carotene often results from eating large amounts of carotene-rich vegetables like carrots while restricting overall calorie intake. The body stores excess carotene in the skin, sometimes causing a yellowish tint. This finding on blood tests can indicate restrictive eating patterns. It reflects food choices common in anorexia nervosa.

Zinc deficiency is common in anorexia nervosa due to inadequate dietary intake. Low zinc levels can worsen loss of appetite, creating a harmful cycle. Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing, and taste perception. Supplementation may help restore appetite and support recovery when combined with other treatments.

Testing frequency depends on illness severity and treatment stage. Initial testing establishes baseline values and identifies urgent problems. Follow-up tests every few weeks or months track nutritional and hormonal recovery. Your healthcare provider will recommend a testing schedule based on your individual needs and progress.

Early treatment greatly reduces the risk of permanent complications. However, prolonged malnutrition can cause lasting effects like bone loss, heart problems, and fertility issues. Brain changes and growth stunting may occur in adolescents. Regular monitoring through blood tests helps catch and address problems early to prevent permanent damage.

Anorexia nervosa significantly weakens bones due to malnutrition, low body weight, and hormonal changes. C Telopeptide levels indicate bone breakdown rate. Low estrogen and inadequate calcium intake contribute to bone loss. This increases fracture risk, even in young people. Restoring weight and nutrition is essential for bone recovery.

Recovery is a gradual process that varies for each person. Physical restoration of weight and nutrition may take several months to a year. Psychological recovery and changing thought patterns often takes longer. Many people continue working on recovery for several years. Blood tests help track physical healing and motivate continued progress.

Recovery without professional treatment is extremely difficult and dangerous. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental health condition. Medical complications can be life-threatening without proper monitoring. Professional treatment addresses both physical and psychological aspects. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and reduces risk of relapse.