Anorexia nervosa
- Anorexia nervosa is a common type of eating disorder and mental illness.
- It is characterised by a relentless desire to lose weight.
- Signs and symptoms can include sudden or significant weight loss and/or reduction in amount of food eaten.
What causes anorexia nervosa?
There is no one cause of anorexia nervosa.
What are the signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa can include:
- sudden or significant weight loss
- sudden or significant reduction in amount of food eaten or in types of foods eaten
- loss of menstrual period
- preoccupation with food and weight
- weight and body shape being more important to the person in how they see themselves than it usually would.
Seeking help and treatment early is associated with an improved outcome.
Anorexia nervosa can affect all aspects of a person’s wellbeing which can lead severe health problems and even death. These include:
- physical
- intellectual
- emotional
- behavioural
- social
- interpersonal.
Where to get help
Acknowledgements
Perth Children's Hospital (PCH)
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
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