Anorexia Nervosa - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery. Our La Jolla, CA Center for Discovery specializes in treating this Eating Disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery | La Jolla, CA

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa, also referred to as anorexia, is a complex eating disorder that affects millions of people each year in the United States and around the world. It is characterized by a preoccupation with body weight or shape and limiting food intake, resulting in unhealthy weight loss. It may also be accompanied by other behaviors such as vomiting after meals, the use of substances like diet pills, or intense exercising. Though it often develops during teenage years or adolescence, anorexia does not discriminate between age, gender, race or class.

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What causes Anorexia Nervosa?

Because of its complexity, several different factors can contribute to the development of anorexia. Some of these may include:

• Biological factors, such as genetics

• Emotional factors, such as increased sensitivity to changes or low self-esteem

• Cultural and societal factors, such as images in the media

• Interpersonal factors, such as difficulty expressing feelings or a history of being teased

No one factor is responsible for causing anorexia, and it is important for loved ones to know they are not the cause. It develops from a multitude of factors that are unique to each individual, and understanding this becomes critical when a person seeks treatment.

Take a tour of our La Jolla, CA Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Center For Discovery La Jolla, CA specializes in residential treatment for anorexia nervosa with unique treatment programs for every individual to get them on their way to eating disorder recovery.

For more information, resources, or to consult with an eating disorder treatment specialist, call 510.662.1178

Why is anorexia treatment important and what to expect in the eating disorder treatment program.  

Anorexia can lead to profound life-threatening medical and psychological consequences and often coexists with other issues, such as depression and anxiety. It has the highest death rate of all mental health conditions, and 1 in 5 deaths from anorexia are from suicide. If an individual is suffering from anorexia, it is critical that they get professional help from an eating disorder specialist as soon as possible. Experts in the field of eating disorders have found that early intervention and intensive treatment can significantly improve a person’s chance of recovery.

The anorexia recovery program at the La Jolla, CA treatment facility usually involves some form of psychotherapy or counseling, including individual, family, or group therapy, which is combined with attending to the nutritional and medical needs of the individual. This requires a caring team of specialized professionals, which at a minimum includes a therapist, a dietitian, and a medical doctor. Treatment should be uniquely tailored to the individual, and the level of care will vary depending on severity and needs.

Sources:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• ANAD: Eating disorder statistics. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
• Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). Mortality rates in patients with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731.
• NEDA: Anorexia nervosa. Retrieved January 20, 2017.