Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
Your Guide to Understanding the Symptoms of Anorexia
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There are many physical manifestations of self-starvation, such as brittle hair and nails, dry or yellow skin, hypothermia, and behavioral patterns like cutting food into tiny pieces or refusing to eat in public. Those with anorexia may feel an obsessive anxiety about meals and weight, and are sometimes afflicted with other psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse disorders.
Other symptoms and signs can include constipation, low blood pressure, insomnia, swelling of arms and legs, and osteoporosis. It is not uncommon for anorexic women to be unable to menstruate, or for men to become impotent.
Despite becoming incredibly thin, those with anorexia will often view themselves as fat or deny the negative repercussions of continued weight loss. They may looks in mirros repeatedly for flaws or weight themselves compulsively. They may also complain about body fat, refuse to eat, or prepare elaborate meals for others but not partake. People with anorexia may also skip meals, eat only low-fat or low-calorie "safe" foods, or make excuses for not eating.
If you or someone you know appears to be suffering from this cycle of distorted perception and physical ailments, there are many roads to finding help and tackling the psychological compulsions fueling this behavior.
Please learn more about the symptoms of anorexia nervosa from these other resources:
