Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa actually literally means "nervous lack of appetite" though this is misleading since it is not a case of someone lacking an appetite.  This disorder actually involves anorectics' (those who have this disorder) wrestling with hunger every day.  An extreme fear of gaining weight or their notion of becoming fat leads to a state-of-mind and condition where the anorectic refuses to maintain a healthy body weight.  Those whose weight is at least 15% below their normal body weight could fall into this category. 

An anorectic's faulty perception of their body is what usually accounts for their fear of getting fat, and this is also closely tied with self-esteem issues.  They feel a sense of achievement when they experience continued weight loss and feel a lack of self-control or weakness when they experience any weight gain - regardless of whether it brings them to a healthier body weight.  Their thinking, behavior, and core issues must be addressed with professional medical, psychiatric, nutritional and clinical care in order to treat this eating disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Components

• Medical and psychiatric assessments by board certified physicians
• Relapse prevention
• Development of a healthy eating plan
• Family treatment
• Group and private therapy
• Medication management
• Lifestyle change class
• Aftercare
• Dual diagnosis treatment

Surviving Anorexia Nervosa

Professional counseling is important for a successful recovery, but in order for treatment to work, a person must be ready to be treated. If a person does not fully commit to a treatment program, they are likely to continue suffering from this deadly illness even after completion of the program. People who do get into anorexia nervosa treatment, and stick with it, in general do much better. About half recover completely. Another 25 percent make significant progress. Unfortunately, the last 25 percent remain chronic sufferers, even with treatment, and a few die from consequences of their disordered behaviors. Finding a counselor, physician, and treatment team that you trust, and with whom you can work effectively, is an important part of the recovery process.

Don't wait until it's too late to get help! Call our toll-free number at: 1-866-657-4357. Our staff of trained professionals will help you to find the anorexia nervosa treatment program that is right for you. We are here 24/7 to assist you and all calls are strictly confidential.