Anorexia Nervosa

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Anorexia Nervosa

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

An eating disorder involving restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight, along with intense fear of weight gain and body image disturbance.

Overview

Anorexia nervosa involves persistent restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight relative to age, sex, and health, combined with intense fear of gaining weight and disturbance in how body weight or shape is experienced.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include significant restriction of food intake, intense fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and in some cases excessive exercise or other compensatory behaviors. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause is not fully understood. Genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors are associated with risk, and anorexia can affect people of any gender.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Family-based treatment has strong evidence for adolescents; individual psychotherapy approaches may be used for adults.

Living With Anorexia Nervosa

Medical monitoring and structured nutritional support are often essential, particularly early in treatment.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships. Anorexia nervosa can cause serious medical complications, so prompt evaluation is important.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Recovery is possible, and outcomes are generally better with earlier identification and sustained, specialized treatment.

Related Conditions

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise.

Binge-Eating Disorder

An eating disorder involving recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, without regular compensatory behaviors.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

An eating disorder involving avoidance or restriction of food intake not driven by body image concerns, leading to nutritional or functional problems.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.