Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa

Adapted from US Food and Drug Administration by ]]>EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff]]>

According to the American Psychiatric Association, a person diagnosed as anorectic must have the following symptoms:

refusal to maintain weight that's over the lowest weight considered normal for age and height
intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight
distorted body image in women
three consecutive missed menstrual periods without pregnancy.

In diagnosing anorexia nervosa, your doctor will do a physical exam and take medical history. Questions will focus on eating and other behavior patterns, such as extreme preoccupation with low calorie food, bingeing and/or purging, taking laxatives, overexercising, and denial of any problem at all. Some medical tests your doctor may do are laboratory blood tests for anemia and electrolyte imbalance.

Once anorexia nervosa is diagnosed, treatment should begin immediately. Treatment is complex and usually involves a team of health care professionals, specifically a medical doctor, a nutritionist, and a psychotherapist.

Source:

Adapted from Food and Drug Administration, 3/00

Last reviewed March 2000 by ]]>EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.