Anorexia Nervosa

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is an illness of obsessive self-starvation characterized by: refusal to maintain a minimally normal weight; intense fear of weight gain or being "fat," even when underweight; and distorted perception of the body or denial of the seriousness of the effects of extreme weight loss.

Among its unique aspects:

• Has the highest mortality risk of any psychiatric disorder; long-term follow-up studies show an average mortality resulting from complications of the illness of roughly 5–6%
• Typically appears between 12 and 17 years of age, but occurrences in younger children are well-documented
• Very high rates of reduced bone density and osteoporosis, even among teens and young adults
• Frequently persists into adulthood
• Emotional state changes dramatically as eating worsens
• Affects an estimated one out of every 250 girls in the general population
• Approximately 90% of anorexia nervosa patients are female

Risk factors:

Risks of anorexia nervosa may include:

• History of extreme perfectionism
• History of tendency to worry or general anxiety
• High regimentation and marked discomfort with change and transition
• Self-doubt and low self-esteem
• Reluctance to express feelings

Warning signs:

Anorexia nervosa symptoms may look like:

• Extreme weight loss
• Increasing rigidity of the diet
• Preoccupation with weight, food or counting calories
• Wearing multiple layers of clothing
• Excessive or compulsive exercise
• Multiple excuses for not eating, and changes in meal-time behavior such as picking at food, slow eating, cutting food into small pieces
• Preoccupation with feeding others or with meal preparation
• Visiting pro-anorexia websites

Anorexia Nervosa Treatment at UCLA Health

At UCLA Health, we provide comprehensive and compassionate treatment for anorexia nervosa, a serious mental health condition. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists, including psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians and nurses, collaborates closely to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. 

Our approach integrates evidence-based therapies, nutritional counseling, and medication management when necessary. We prioritize not only physical health but also emotional well-being, fostering a supportive environment for recovery. 

Contact us today for inquiries regarding admission to our Eating Disorders Program.