Anorexia Nervosa Therapy

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa therapy can help overcome a medical illness and eating disorder. Anorexia is characterized by the intense restriction of foods, resulting in low body weight. People suffering from anorexia fear weight gain and typically struggle with an accurate perception of their body image. They often believe themselves to be overweight or in need of losing more weight through extreme caloric restriction. 

The term “atypical anorexia” has also become more common in the field and society. It describes someone meeting all of the symptoms of anorexia outside of the underweight requirement outlined in the DSM-5. Atypical Anorexia is a serious set of symptoms that can lead to major medical and physiological concerns. 

Anorexia is found more often in females than males (possibly due to underreporting in males). However, the disorder can affect anyone regardless of age, race or ethnic background, gender, or body weight. For some, the disorder becomes an outlet to regain a sense of control when dealing with stress, depression, and low self-esteem. It’s common to experience anxiety alongside anorexia, and for anorexia to be triggered after a stressful or traumatic life event.

anorexia nervosa therapy

While we don’t know exactly what causes anorexia, there are a combination of factors. This includes family eating disorders and mental health history, as well as genetic, biological, behavioral, psychological, and social factors. These can increase an individual’s risk of developing the condition. Social media also plays a huge role in modern eating disorders. The pressure to be thin and engage with diet culture has increased restrictive eating habits.

There are two types of anorexia nervosa, the Restricting Type (discussed on this page), and the Binge Eating/Purging type. This second type is confused at times with a similar diagnosis referred to as bulimia – learn more here.

Think you might be suffering from anorexia? You are not alone and help is available. Call us today to speak with a specialist. Our admissions team offers free and complimentary intake assessments. This can help you understand your symptoms, ask questions, and determine the right support to start your healing journey.

 

Warning signs and symptoms of anorexia:

  • Unexplained weight loss or failure to gain weight
  • Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, and dieting
  • Excessive, rigid exercise
  • Withdrawal from usual friends and activities
  • Restriction of food, fear of eating, or refusal to eat
  • Feeling cold frequently
  • A pattern of skipping meals
  • Denying current hunger
  • Making excuses for not eating
  • Lanugo (a soft, fine, downy hair that grows on the body)
  • Lying about how food consumption
  • Lack of wanting to eat in public 
  • Only eating a few “safe” foods, which tend to be low in calories as well as fat
  • Frequently checking for perceived flaws in the mirror regarding body image
  • A fear of weight gain that may include obsessively measuring or weighing one’s body
  • High degree of irritability
  • A reduced interest in sex
  • Insomnia patterns
  • A lack of emotion or feeling, or being emotionally withdrawn
  • Covering up using layers of clothing
  • Frequent comments about feeling ‘fat’ or overweight despite weight loss

 

How do we treat Anorexia Nervosa at EDRS?

It’s common for people suffering from anorexia to be hesitant to start or even seek treatment. That’s why our admissions team handles anyone with the utmost care and confidentiality. Anorexia requires a careful, medically-informed, and multi-disciplinary approach. This may prioritize physical stabilization before diving into deeper therapeutic work. 

Psychologically, there are a lot of ways anorexia and other restrictive disorders can show up. Therefore, during an intake session, our admissions team will focus on uncovering the primary cause of the disorder. Our team takes extra care for those who are also seeking support for co-occurring trauma.

Anorexia Nervosa Therapy Services

At EDRS, there are multiple outpatient levels at which we can treat anorexia. For those requiring less intensive support, we offer many services. They range from 1:1 psychotherapy and recovery coaching to group therapy and clinician-led meal support with a provider trained in working with people with anorexia. For those who might need an extra layer of care, we offer our flexible, virtual IOP (intensive outpatient program). This uses our service offerings in a more structured, frequent setting.

Anorexia Nervosa Therapy often begins with a mix of psychotherapy and nutrition therapy. Although, some clients are not as motivated to begin with work on the “food thing.” However, it’s essential for healing to become lasting in a holistic way. Medical stabilization is a priority, including monitoring for refeeding syndrome and electrolyte imbalances.

While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Based Treatment (FBT) are two of the most popular ways to treat anorexia in psychotherapy, we offer more options and motivational interviewing techniques. This helps to work against the distorted self-perception which fuels anorexia. In addition to psychotherapy, many clients find that our Recovery Coaching service helps them identify relapse signs and take action steps. Treatment is always custom and depends on the unique needs of the client.

If you’re ready to learn more about treatment for anorexia at EDRS, reach out to our admissions team today.

Helpful Screening Questions for Anorexia Nervosa:

  • Do you have a fear of gaining weight and/or becoming fat?
  • Have you ever limited or decreased how much food you let yourself eat?
  • Do you have negative or bad thoughts about your shape or body?
  • Have friends or family mentioned concern about your eating habits or commented about your body or weight loss?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, contact our admissions team today for a full assessment. Help is available – you’re not alone.

Anorexia Can Cause Serious Medical Complications, Such As:

  • Heart problems, low blood pressure, and arrhythmias
  • Hormonal imbalances and loss of menstrual periods
  • Low bone density and fractures
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Cognitive slowing and brain changes
  • Electrolyte imbalances that can be life-threatening

Anorexia can cause serious medical complications. It not only affects people’s physical well-being in the short term, but also in the long term. If you or someone you know is showing signs of anorexia, it is critical to seek treatment early. Call today to speak with an experienced intake coordinator about options. 

Prevalence (NIMH)

  • Lifetime prevalence in women: ~0.9–2.0%
  • Lifetime prevalence in men: ~0.3%
  • Peak onset: adolescence and young adulthood, typically between 14–18 years old
  • Prevalence in adolescents: roughly 0.3–0.7%

While anorexia shows up more often among women, there are issues with reporting in men. There’s now a nickname “manorexia.” It’s important to remember that anorexia can affect anyone. That’s regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or race. If you believe you or someone you know has anorexia, call today.

Psychological and Co-Occurring Factors

  • Mental health: depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD
  • Personality traits: perfectionism, high self-criticism, need for control
  • Co-occurring trauma: 20–50% report childhood abuse or traumatic events
  • Distorted self-perception: strong fear of weight gain despite being underweight

Anorexia can co-occur with other disorders and personality traits that can worsen the disorder. Our treatment is holistic and trauma-informed for this reason. To learn more about what treatment would be like for you at EDRS, reach out to admissions today.

Anorexia Risk Factors

  • Genetic/biological: family history of eating disorders or mental health conditions
  • Psychological: low self-esteem, anxiety, and need for control
  • Environmental: societal pressure, diet culture, high-pressure activities (sports, performance, dance)

There are different risk factors associated with anorexia. That’s why it’s important to know that the disorder is complex and not caused by a singular event. The goal of eating disorder therapy is to uncover this underlying cause and work to challenge it. Learn more about what this could be like for you here.

Glossary of Terms

Body Image: A person’s perception and feelings about their physical appearance, which may be distorted in anorexia.

Caloric Restriction: Deliberate limitation of calorie intake, often extreme in anorexia.

Co-Occurring Trauma: Past traumatic experiences that may contribute to or worsen eating disorder symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs.

Family-Based Treatment (FBT): A therapy model for eating disorders that involves parents or caregivers actively in supporting the individual’s recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): A structured treatment program providing therapy and support multiple days per week while allowing clients to live at home.

Recovery Coaching: Support focused on helping clients identify relapse signs, set goals, and navigate challenges in maintaining recovery.

Refeeding Syndrome: A potentially dangerous shift in fluids and electrolytes that can occur when someone with severe malnutrition begins to eat again.

Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of minerals in the body (e.g., sodium, potassium) that can cause serious health complications.

Motivational Interviewing: A counseling technique used to increase a person’s motivation to change harmful behaviors.

Medical Stabilization: The initial phase of treatment prioritizes physical health, including weight restoration and monitoring vital signs.

Nutritional Therapy / Nutrition Therapy: Guidance and support from a dietitian or nutrition professional to restore healthy eating habits and ensure proper nutrient intake.

Distorted Self-Perception: An inaccurate or unhealthy view of one’s body size, shape, or appearance.

Restrictive Eating: Limiting the amount or type of food consumed, often as a way to control weight or shape.

Diet Culture: A societal focus on thinness and restrictive eating as a measure of health, beauty, or self-worth.

Holistic Healing: An approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of recovery.

Trauma-informed care: A treatment approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on mental and physical health and incorporates safety, trust, and empowerment into care.

Questions about any of the above terms? We’re here to help. Reach out to admissions to learn more about what treatment for anorexia could be like for you. 

Research and Support for People Struggling with Anorexia:

Sources:

Remember, recovery from anorexia is possible. We are here to help and support you in a professional, compassionate, non-judgmental way. Reach out today to begin Anorexia Nervosa Therapy – early intervention is critical. Click here to call admissions.

 

woman sitting on boat dock.

Ready to start your recovery journey?

We have had tremendous success with helping clients gain control of their lives and tackling their eating disorders head-on. 

Our clinical intake coordinators can confidentially learn more about your respective situation and work with you to assess your needs and the best path forward. 

We look forward to helping you on your path to better health and recovery.

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