Signs you could be suffering from Anorexia Nervosa

by Ellern Mede Eating Disorder Treatment

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that is becoming increasingly common here in the UK. Anyone with this medical/psychological condition needs to be treated as early as possible to prevent serious health complications. Early detection and treatment can literally save lives.

There are certain signs and symptoms that can indicate if a person has anorexia. The most common ones are listed below. If you notice these in yourself, or in someone you know, there is a chance that you or that person may need to get anorexia nervosa treatment.

Physical signs and symptoms

Noticeable weight loss
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, brittle nails and thinning hair.
Poor wound healing and immune function
Swollen salivary glands (along with the neck and jaw areas)

Behavioural signs

Dressing in layers or loose clothing to disguise weight loss
A preoccupation with weight loss and dieting. This could mean being concerned about food choices and nutritional data (calories, fat content, etc.)
Skipping meals or eating very little during meals
This is done by going to the bathroom during or after meals, vomiting, or using laxatives and diuretics.
Unusual food rituals, such as chewing excessively, not allowing some food items, eating only certain food types (for example, vegetables and salads only)
Excessive drinking of water or non-caloric drinks
Excessive working out
Frequently weighing

Emotional signs and symptoms

Fear of eating in public
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 eating disorder therapist in London can properly diagnose the condition, so it's best to see one as soon as possible.