CLINICAL FEATURES AND/OR OBSERVABLE BEHAVIOURS

OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

The following are observable behaviours that indicate that anorexia nervosa may be present.

It is uncommon for a person with anorexia nervosa to openly reveal her body. One is more likely to notice a very skeletal looking individual in track pants, big t-shirt, baggy jersey and the like, all in an attempt to put on bulk and disguise the thinness.  Once you note sagging body skin, knobbly knees, protruding hips/ribs etc, but the person still believes she is fat, then NO logic is helpful.  This person requires immediate medical and psychological help.

1.

A refusal to eat with the family. There is often an intricate regime of cooking for everbody else, but this type of anorexic seldom consumes food herself.

 

2.

There is an intense fear of gaining weight. The prognosis for this group is very poor. Therapy (see treatment on main page) is seldom saught and some may die due to organ failure and/or lack of weight. 

 

3.

The eating behaviour is secretive and ritualistic.  That is, it follows a similar pattern, on a regular basis.

 

4.

There is a careful choice of diets. E.g. they may cut out all fats and/or carbohydrates. The eating style is never balanced.

 

5.

There is an obsession with food.  Recipes are collected and again cooking for others is a favourite past-time.

 

6.

Food is hidden or disposed of in pockets/napkins or even flushed down the toilet.

 

7.

Food is cut into little pieces.  The entire meal time may be spent in arranging the food on the plate. 

 

8.

If the behaviour is confronted, it is often denied.

 

9.

There is clear evidence of obsessive-compulsive behaviour, depression and anxiety.   For example, different kinds of foods are counted and hoarded.  This individual knows exactly how many of each kind she has.

 

10.

They are rigid and perfectionistic. Things have to be done in a very specific kind of way.  Often there are rituals which are overwhelming, not only for the individual, but also for family members.

 

11.

Some may develop somatic complaints, such as colds, flu etc.

 

12.

Some may steal.  For example candies, laxatives, clothes and other items.

 

13

There is poor sexual adjustment.  There is a denial of sexuality.  If one looks at the body shape of an anorexic, it seldom looks like that of an adult female.   Mostly the body shape is that of a young girl.

 

14.

There is a denial of symptoms, needs and the desire to take responsibility.