The importance of open dialogue about atypical anorexia.
Atypical anorexia is a form of anorexia that does not fit the “typical” profile of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with atypical anorexia may not meet the body mass index (BMI) criteria for anorexia nervosa, but they still experience intense fears of gaining weight and engage in behaviors that impede weight gain. Individuals with atypical anorexia often have a history of dieting, and they may be of normal weight or even overweight.
Atypical anorexia is a relatively new concept, and there is much that is not yet known about it. However, clinicians and researchers believe that atypical anorexia may be just as serious as “typical” anorexia nervosa. Individuals with atypical anorexia may be at risk for the same health complications as those with anorexia nervosa, such as electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, and bone density loss.
Atypical anorexia is often mistaken for other conditions, such as bulimia nervosa or obesity. This can make diagnosis and treatment complicated. However, it is important to seek professional help if you are engaging in any type of disordered eating behavior, regardless of your weight or BMI. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have atypical anorexia, consider talking to a mental health professional. Published here
The importance of professional help in treating atypical anorexia.
Atypical anorexia nervosa (AN) is a form of AN that does not meet all the criteria for the disorder as specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).1 Professionals who are familiar with atypical AN often describe it as a less severe form of the disorder that is characterized by less weight loss, less distortion in body image, and less preoccupation with food and weight. People with atypical AN often have a history of dieting, and they may be of normal weight or even overweight.
AN has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness,2 and professional treatment is essential for individuals with this disorder. Left untreated, AN can lead to serious health complications, including malnourishment, electrolyte imbalances,3 organ failure,4 and death.5
People with atypical AN often have less obvious symptoms than those with the more typical form of the disorder, which can make it difficult to identify and seek treatment.6,7 Many individuals with atypical AN do not realize they have a problem until they experience serious health complications.8
Individuals with atypical AN often benefit from a comprehensive treatment approach that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy,9 family-based therapy,10 and, if necessary, medication.11,12 Treatment should be tailored to the individual’s needs and may vary depending on the severity of the disorder.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with atypical AN, it is important to seek professional help. Early intervention is key to preventing the disorder from progressing and to avoid serious health complications.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about atypical anorexia. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.