Symptoms of Anorexia and How To Diagnose It
Persons experiencing anorexia may exhibit specific symptoms or warning signs of the disease. These are signs that are often noticed outwardly by family members and friends of someone who is struggling with anorexia nervosa; however, the symptoms may not seem initially linked to an eating disorder. Anorexia truly affects all areas of a person's life. Though it primarily affects adolescent women, there is growing evidence that young boys are increasingly at risk as well.
Anorexia is a type of self-starvation. Physical symptoms are typically the result of malnutrition, as the body is forced to conserve its resources in an effort to survive. These symptoms can be extremely serious if left untreated. They can also be symptoms of other medical conditions so it is important to be assessed by a physician to determine a correct diagnosis and seek treatment. Only a medical professional can diagnose anorexia.
Prominent symptoms include:
- Loss of menstrual period in females post-puberty
- Dry and thinning hair
- Lightheadedness or loss of balance, especially fainting
- Low blood pressure and heart rate
- Bruises easily
- Extreme weight loss
- Muscle loss and weakness
- Extreme dehydration
- Early onset of osteoporosis
- Strange eating habits or food rituals
Symptoms of depression may be prominent as well as withdrawal from friends and family
