Anorexia nervosa

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Food guide pyramid

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Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers may help some anorexic patients when given as part of a complete treatment program. Examples include: olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zydis), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and antidepressants. These medicines can help treat depression or anxiety.

Although these drugs may help, no medication has been proven to decrease the desire to lose weight.

See: Eating disorders - support group

Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially deadly medical condition. By some estimates, it leads to death in 10% of cases. Experienced treatment programs have a good success rate in restoring normal weight, but it is common for the disease to return.

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Women who develop this eating disorder at an early age have a better chance of complete recovery. However, most people with anorexia will continue to prefer a lower body weight and be preoccupied with food and calories to some extent. Weight management may be difficult, and long-term treatment may be necessary to help maintain a healthy weight.

Complications can be severe. A hospital stay may be needed.

Complications may include:

• Bloating or swelling
• Bone weakening
• Electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium)
• Dangerous heart rhythms
• Decrease in white blood cells which leads to increased risk of infection
• Severe dehydration
• Severe malnutrition
• Seizures due to fluid loss from excessive diarrhea or vomiting
• Thyroid gland problems, which can lead to cold intolerance and constipation
• Tooth erosion and decay

Talk to your doctor if a loved one is:

• Excessively preoccupied with weight
• Over-exercising
• Restricting his or her food intake
• Severely underweight

Getting early medical help can reduce the severity of an eating disorder.

Review Date: 02/07/2010
Reviewed By: David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).