How to Identify Anorexia Nervosa?

by Ellern Mede Eating Disorder Treatment

Anorexia is a life-threatening eating disorder – therefore, all people with symptoms of anorexia need to be treated as early as possible. Early detection and treatment can literally save lives.

There are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate if a person has an eating disorder. The most common ones are listed below. If you notice these in yourself, or in someone you know, there’s a chance that you or that person may need professional help. Talk to your parents, a health counsellor, or an adult you trust. See a doctorfor an assessment and to explore your diagnosis,, If an NHS appointment is slow to arrange, you might want to consider a GP referral to a private eating disorder clinic.

Physical signs and symptoms

- Noticeable weight loss

- Intolerance to cold

- Abdominal pain, constipation, acid reflux and other digestive issues

- Dizziness

- Irregularities in the menstrual period

- Dental issues (such as cavities, tooth discolouration and tooth sensitivity)

- Dry skin, nails and hair

- Poor wound healing and immune function

- Swollen salivary glands

Behavioural signs

- Dressing in layers or loose clothing to disguise weight loss

- A preoccupation with weight loss and dieting – concerns about food choices and nutritional data (calories, fat content, etc.)

- Skipping meals or eating very little during meals

- Purging through vomiting, or using laxatives and diuretics.

- Unusual food rituals, such as chewing excessively, not allowing different food items on a plate to touch, and eating only certain food types (for example, vegetables and salads only)

- Excessive drinking of water or non-caloric drinks

- Hoarding of food in unusual places

- Excessive exercise

Emotional signs and symptoms

- Fear of eating in public or feeling uncomfortable while eating with others

- Withdrawal from social events

- Extreme mood swings

- Intense and unreasonable fear of gaining weight

- A distorted body image

- Poor self-esteem

The presence of these signs and symptoms does not indicate with absolute certainty that the person does have an eating disorder. Only a professional medical practitioner and eating disorder specialist can properly diagnose the condition, so it's best to see these professionals as soon as possible.

If you suspect you’re suffering from an eating disorder you should contact an anorexia clinic in London today!