What clinical symptoms of anorexia nervosa should have the highest priority
If your doctor suspects that you have anorexia nervosa, he or she will typically do several tests and exams to help pinpoint a diagnosis, rule out medical causes for the weight loss, and check for any related complications. Show
These exams and tests generally include:
Your mental health professional also may use the diagnostic criteria for anorexia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. More Information
TreatmentTreatment for anorexia is generally done using a team approach, which includes doctors, mental health professionals and dietitians, all with experience in eating disorders. Ongoing therapy and nutrition education are highly important to continued recovery. Here's a look at what's commonly involved in treating people with anorexia. Hospitalization and other programsIf your life is in immediate danger, you may need treatment in a hospital emergency room for such issues as a heart rhythm disturbance, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances or a psychiatric emergency. Hospitalization may be required for medical complications, severe psychiatric problems, severe malnutrition or continued refusal to eat. Some clinics specialize in treating people with eating disorders. They may offer day programs or residential programs rather than full hospitalization. Specialized eating disorder programs may offer more-intensive treatment over longer periods of time. Medical careBecause of the host of complications anorexia causes, you may need frequent monitoring of vital signs, hydration level and electrolytes, as well as related physical conditions. In severe cases, people with anorexia may initially require feeding through a tube that's placed in their nose and goes to the stomach (nasogastric tube). Care is usually coordinated by a primary care doctor or a mental health professional, with other professionals involved. Restoring a healthy weightThe first goal of treatment is getting back to a healthy weight. You can't recover from anorexia without returning to a healthy weight and learning proper nutrition. Those involved in this process may include:
PsychotherapyThese types of therapy may be beneficial for anorexia:
MedicationsNo medications are approved to treat anorexia because none has been found to work very well. However, antidepressants or other psychiatric medications can help treat other mental health disorders you may also have, such as depression or anxiety. Treatment challenges in anorexiaOne of the biggest challenges in treating anorexia is that people may not want treatment. Barriers to treatment may include:
People with anorexia can recover. However, they're at increased risk of relapse during periods of high stress or during triggering situations. Ongoing therapy or periodic appointments during times of stress may help you stay healthy. More Information
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesWhen you have anorexia, it can be difficult to take care of yourself properly. In addition to professional treatment, follow these steps:
Alternative medicineDietary supplements and herbal products designed to suppress the appetite or aid in weight loss may be abused by people with anorexia. Weight-loss supplements or herbs can have serious side effects and dangerously interact with other medications. These products do not go through a rigorous review process and may have ingredients that are not posted on the bottle. Keep in mind that natural doesn't always mean safe. If you use dietary supplements or herbs, discuss the potential risks with your doctor. Anxiety-reducing approaches that complement anorexia treatment may increase the sense of well-being and promote relaxation. Examples of these approaches include massage, yoga and meditation. Coping and supportYou may find it difficult to cope with anorexia when you're hit with mixed messages by the media, culture, and perhaps your own family or friends. You may even have heard people joke that they wish they could have anorexia for a while so that they could lose weight. Whether you have anorexia or your loved one has anorexia, ask your doctor or mental health professional for advice on coping strategies and emotional support. Learning effective coping strategies and getting the support you need from family and friends are vital to successful treatment. Preparing for your appointmentHere's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor or mental health professional. You may want to ask a family member or friend to go with you. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot. A family member may also be able to give your doctor a fuller picture of your home life. What you can doBefore your appointment, make a list of:
Some questions you might want to ask your doctor or mental health professional include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment. What to expect from your doctorYour doctor or mental health professional is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
Be ready to answer these questions to reserve time to go over any points you want to focus on. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments Feb. 20, 2018 Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references
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AdvertisementMayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What is the most important symptom of anorexia?The main sign is significant weight loss or low body weight. In atypical anorexia nervosa, the person may still have a moderate weight despite substantial weight loss. A lack of nutrients may lead to other physical signs and symptoms, including: severe loss of muscle mass.
What is the most serious complication of anorexia nervosa?At its most severe, it can be fatal. Death may occur suddenly — even when someone is not severely underweight. This may result from abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or an imbalance of electrolytes — minerals such as sodium, potassium and calcium that maintain the balance of fluids in your body.
When treating anorexia nervosa The first step should be?The first goal of treatment is getting back to a healthy weight. You can't recover from anorexia without returning to a healthy weight and learning proper nutrition. Those involved in this process may include: Your primary care doctor, who can provide medical care and supervise your calorie needs and weight gain.
What are 3 warning signs that might indicate that someone suffers from anorexia nervosa?Warning Signs of Anorexia
Constant worry about dieting, food, calories, and weight. You complain a lot about being “fat” You refuse to eat whole groups of food, like carbohydrates. You pretend you're not hungry when really you are.
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