The wide-ranging physical and psychological effects of atypical anorexia.
Atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) is a subtype of anorexia nervosa (AN), characterized by a marked fear of weight gain or becoming overweight, despite being of normal or above-normal weight. Individuals with atypical AN restrict their food intake and/or engage in other forms of weight loss behaviors, such as compulsive exercise, to the point of interfering with their daily lives.
Atypical AN is a relatively new diagnosis, first appearing in the DSM-5, the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. While the DSM-5 no longer recognizes AN as a single disorder, but instead recognizes two subtypes—restrictive type and binge-purge type—atypical AN is classified as its own separate subtype.
AN is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder that is associated with a range of physical and psychological consequences. Individuals with atypical AN are at an increased risk for developing severe and potentially life-threatening health complications, such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrhythmias, and kidney failure. AN is also associated with a range of psychological consequences, such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation.
While the exact cause of atypical AN is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. A family history of AN or other eating disorders, certain personality traits, and societal pressure to be thin are all thought to play a role in the development of atypical AN.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for atypical AN, but a combination of psychotherapy and medication is often recommended. Psychotherapy can help individuals with atypical AN identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors surrounding food and weight. Medication, such as antidepressants, can also be used to treat atypical AN. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize an individual’s weight and health.
Atypical AN is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder that requires prompt and professional treatment. With proper treatment, individuals with atypical AN can make a full recovery and live a healthy, happy life..View it
The personal journeys of atypical anorexia sufferers.
Atypical anorexia nervosa is a lesser-known but equally serious subtype of anorexia nervosa. Unlike the more commonly known form of anorexia nervosa, which is characterized by a focus on thinness and amenorrhea, atypical anorexia nervosa is characterized by a focus on being thin and a persisting menstrual cycle. Although atypical anorexia nervosa shares many symptoms with the more commonly known form of anorexia nervosa, the two subtypes are quite different.
Atypical anorexia nervosa was first identified in the early 2000s. Prior to that, it was commonly lumped in with the more commonly known form of anorexia nervosa. However, research has shown that atypical anorexia nervosa is a distinct subtype of anorexia nervosa, with its own unique set of symptoms, causes, and risk factors.
Atypical anorexia nervosa is significantly less common than the more commonly known form of anorexia nervosa. However, it is just as serious and can be just as deadly. In fact, atypical anorexia nervosa has a higher mortality rate than the more commonly known form of anorexia nervosa.
Despite its high mortality rate, atypical anorexia nervosa is often overlooked. This is likely due to the fact that atypical anorexia nervosa doesn’t fit the traditional image of anorexia nervosa. Atypical anorexia nervosa sufferers are often of normal weight or even overweight. They may not have the same visible physical symptoms as those with the more commonly known form of anorexia nervosa. And, they often don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa.
All of this can make atypical anorexia nervosa difficult to spot and diagnose. However, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of atypical anorexia nervosa so that it can be caught early and treated promptly.
The exact cause of atypical anorexia nervosa is unknown. However, like the more commonly known form of anorexia nervosa, atypical anorexia nervosa is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Atypical anorexia nervosa often starts in adolescence or young adulthood. It is more common in girls and women than in boys and men. Atypical anorexia nervosa is also more common in people with a family history of eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or depression.
The most common symptom of atypical anorexia nervosa is an intense fear of gaining weight. Atypical anorexia nervosa sufferers often diet and exercise excessively in an attempt to prevent weight gain. They may also use laxatives, diuretics, or enemas in an attempt to rid their bodies of food and calories.
Other common symptoms of atypical anorexia nervosa include:
-A preoccupation with food, weight, and calories
-An intense fear of weight gain
-A belief that one is overweight, even when they are not
-A restriction of food intake
-Excessive exercise
-Extreme weight loss
-Amenorrhea
-Anemia
-Body dysmorphic disorder
-Obsessive-compulsive disorder
-Depression
-Anxiety
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help right away. Atypical anorexia nervosa is a serious, life-threatening disorder that requires prompt treatment.
While the exact cause of atypical anorexia nervosa is unknown, there are a number of risk factors that have been identified. These include:
-A family history of eating disorders
-A family history of anxiety disorders or depression
-A history of dieting or weight cycling
-A history of trauma or abuse
-Perfectionism
-Low self-esteem
-Intense pressure to be thin
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of atypical anorexia nervosa. This way, you can seek professional help if you or someone you know begins to exhibit any of these symptoms.
Atypical anorexia nervosa is a serious, life-threatening disorder. If you or someone you know is displaying any of the signs or symptoms of atypical anorexia nervosa, it’s important to seek professional help right away. With prompt treatment, atypical anorexia nervosa is highly treatable.
We used mengeredstoo.co.uk to write this article about atypical anorexia. Original source.