About Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a psychological disorder characterized by restriction of calories and food intake and  a low weight (dependent on growth curve, age, history). 

Another characteristic of AN is shape and weight concerns, which include dissatisfaction with one's weight or how one looks in the mirror, fits in clothes, or compares to other people or previous weights and shape. Clinically, there is an over evaluation of shape and weight, meaning this aspect of one's identity is a significant factor in how they see themselves. In AN, there is often a fear or weight gain or restoration. 

AN is an insidious and dangerous illness, where medical and psychological consequences are considered some of the most severe. While age of onset is typically in adolescents, AN can develop at anytime. In adolescents the gold standard of treatment is FBT, a family based treatment. In adults, CBT-E or DBT (DBT-RO) are promising approaches. Please see About Treatment to learn more about these treatments.