The Anorexia Nervosa Support Center

Every person is unique, but when you face a challenge like anorexia nervosa, you are never alone. Countless men and women have faced exactly the same diagnosis and have survived and thrived. The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that helped other survivors when they faced the same challenge.

TSC has scoured the Internet and assembled links to the very best anorexia nervosa resources: articles, blogs, forums, and tools that can help you make better decisions and take action to overcome the range of physical, emotional, and other challenges you're facing now.

As you’ll see, we always welcome your ideas and suggestions to make this anorexia nervosa guide even more helpful to survivors like you.

JUST FOUND OUT

Survivors Say the Best Resources for Anorexia Nervosa

Survivors say these are the best resources for those who have just found out.

• Anorexia Nervosa - Treament Something Fishy is a private organization dedicated to eating disorders. They provide a thorough overview of eating disorders, including many support and treatment resources.
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders (ANAD) This reputable association offers its services at no cost to help those with anorexia find support groups, therapists, and doctors.
• Diagnosis Dictionary: Eating Disorders Psychology Today magazine offers this helpful overview to all kinds of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, with details about symptoms that typify the disorder

The Big Picture

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders (ANAD) reports that eating disorders, including anorexia, affect 7 million women and 1 million men in the U.S. The National Eating Disorders Association defines anorexia as a "serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss."

A specific cause for anorexia is unknown, but signs include significant weight loss; preoccupation with weight, food, calories and related topics; and development of food-related rituals, among other symptoms. Binge eating and purging (bulimia) are common among those who are anorexic.

For more on the signs of anorexia and its treatment, go to this page:

Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment- MedicineNet.com

Your Anorexia Nervosa

Because anorexia isn't just about food and weight gain, but also about emotional issues, it can be difficult to treat. This Mayoclinic.com page will tell you more, including causes, signs, and possible treatment plans:

Anorexia Nervosa - MayoClinic.com

Anorexia nervosa is often associated with bulimia, in which someone binge-eats and then purges (vomits) what they've eaten. This link explains more about bulimia:

Anorexia Nervosa - FamilyDoctor.org

The National Association for Mental Illness' (NAMI) thorough overview of anorexia nervosa covers topics such as the progress of the illness, association medical problems, treatments, and prevention:

NAMI - Anorexia Nervosa

Psych Central is the Internet's largest and oldest independent mental health social network created and run by mental health professionals. Find out more about the two types of anorexia, and the most common symptoms:

Psych Central - Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms

Looking for a second opinion? Here's how to find one:

• NZ Eating Disorder Specialists - Second Opinions
• Her Body - When to Get a Second Opinion

5 questions you should ask your doctor

• Why do I need treatment?
• Has anorexia affected my health, or will it?
• Why do I do this?
• Will I ever eat normally?
• What treatments do I need?

Your World with Anorexia

A diagnosis of anorexia can lead to feelings of depression, shame, frustration, and anger -- all of which can lead to a relapse. That's why treatment for anorexia and other eating disorders almost always includes psychotherapy of some kind. Your doctor may also suggest joining a support group.

Anorexia Nervosa - Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Effects and Treatment

Not everyone understands what anorexia is, or how to treat it. You may need to educate your friends and family to  help them support you emotionally as you work to get better. Check out Medicinenet.com's excellent at-a-glance guide:

Anorexia Nervosa: At A Glance

This site has a brief list of reliable and up-to-date statistics:

Eating Disorder Statistics

WebMD is an exceptional resource for most health problems, including anorexia nervosa:

Anorexia Nervosa - Topic Overview - WebMD

Anorexia Myths

• "All anorexics are frail and underweight."
  
• "Anorexia is incurable."
  
• "Anorexics never eat."
  
• "Dieting and food restrictions are the best way to lose weight."
  
• "After you recover from anorexia, you don’t have to worry about it anymore."
  
• "Anorexia only affects young girls."

You'll find the correct information at Anorexia Myths.

 

Types of Treatments

Anorexia is a serious illness and one that can be difficult to treat. But with time and expert help, many patients conquer this eating disorder. Treatment includes psychotherapy (counseling), medical treatments, medication, and support groups.

Medical Treatment

In a severe case someone with anorexia may be hospitalized, though this may not be the case for you. Since treatment for anorexia typically involves a combination of therapies, medical treatment may include prescription drugs, such as an antidepressant.

• Yahoo! Health - Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Overview
• Academy for Eating Disorders - Treatment

Psychotherapy (Counseling)

Psychotherapy, also called "talk therapy" or counseling, can help get to the root of emotions and thoughts that are leading to the self-destructive behaviors associated with anorexia. This can be done one-on-one with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist, or in a group setting.

Academy for Eating Disorders - Psychotherapy

Group Support

Group support is extremely valuable. Coping with feelings in a healthy way and relating to other survivors will contribute to your emotional recovery. The sites have more on group support and where to find one near you:

• Eating Disorder Support Group - Find Anorexia Support Group
  
• Yahoo Groups - Anorexia Search
  

How do I receive help without being a burden to my family or friends?

Educate your family about anorexia and your struggle. Let them know about the steps you're taking to recover. Also, encourage them to be aware of your symptoms to help you recognize if you're relapsing. Keep them updated on your treatments. The support of family and friends can be invaluable to your emotional recovery.

What do I need to ask my insurance carrier?

• Does my policy/plan cover treatment for anorexia nervosa?
• What resources does my plan recommend?
• Will my rates go up as a result of undergoing treatment?
• Am I going to be limited or restricted to certain doctors and the treatments that will be covered?
• Will my plan end at any point?

What kind of doctors do I need?

Psychotherapists (psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors); physicians specializing in eating disorders; dieticians and nutritionists

Resources to Find Doctors

• Doctors and Medical Specialists for Anorexia Nervosa - WrongDiagnosis.com
  
• Find an Eating Disorder Doctor - About.com
  
• Referrals Welcome - NationalEatingDisorders.com

Books Suggested by Survivors

• Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
  
• Stick Figure by Lori Gottlieb
• The Hungry Self: Women, Eating, and Identity by Kim Chernin
  
• Treating and Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa by Steven Levenkron
  
• The Secret Language of Eating Disorders: How You Can Understand and Work to Cure Anorexia and Bulimia by Peggy Claude-Pierre
  

Keep the Lines of Communication Open Between You and Your Doctor

• Be honest with your physicians and other health-care professionals caring for you; this will ensure you receive the best treatment possible.
• Let your doctors know if you are experiencing any new symptoms.
• Ask plenty of questions and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Information for Co-Survivors

How you can help

• Get connected with other co-survivors.
• Share your story and struggle with other co-survivors.
• Assist others in finding important information, treatment, and support resources.

What to say

• Share your struggle with anorexia, if you've had one.
• Provide facts and resources for support groups, treatment information, and physician advice.
• Emphasize that recovery is possible.

What not to say

• Recommending information, “facts” and support groups that you are unsure of.
• Focusing on negative statistics.
• Making light of the problem or implying treatment will be quick and easy.

Things you can do for a survivor today and every day

• Be available when they need you, as much as possible.
• Be a key resource and support during treatment.
• Emphasize the benefits of treatment and recovery from anorexia.

How to build a support network

• Set up a TSC co-survivor profile.
• Join support groups, forums, and blogs.
• Educate your family on anorexia and turn to them for emotional support.

Remission/ Recovery/ Recurrence

Recovery from anorexia nervosa may not be easy, but by focusing on the day-to-day management of symptoms and sticking to regular follow-ups with your doctor and other health-care providers, as well as continuing to educate yourself about the disorder, you are setting yourself up to succeed.

The emotions surrounding anorexia can be very intense. Loss of self-worth, depression, embarrassment, and feeling ashamed are common. But by improving your self-image you will recover. In short, remember that you can recover from anorexia! Consider how your confidence and self-image will prosper, even if this is hard to imagine right now. Thousands of people like you have recovered from anorexia and have gone on to lead healthy, happy lives.

 

WORST CASE

In a worst-case scenario, untreated anorexia can lead to death, which is why getting treatment quickly if you suspect anorexia is all-important.

Anorexia - The Body Neglected

Coping with Death

• Grief Support - Coping with Grief, Death and Dying
• Coping with Death & Dying
• Hospice World