Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder where the main characteristic is the restriction of food and the refusal to maintain a minimal normal body weight. Most Anorexics lose weight by restricting their food intake. Anorexics may start by limiting or excluding foods that they perceive as having high fat or caloric content.

Once the disorder of Anorexia Nervosa takes hold, the individual usually ends up with an extremely restrictive diet that is sometimes limited to only a small number of foods. Additional methods of weight loss for Anorexics can include vomiting, laxative abuse, diuretic abuse, insulin abuse, chew-spitting, and excessive exercise.

For individuals suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, any actual gain or even perceived gain of weight is met with intense fear of becoming fat. With Anorexia Nervosa, weight loss usually does not lesson the fear, and in fact, the fear often increases following the weight loss. Not only is there a true feeling of fear, but also once in the grasp of the disorder, Anorexics experience body image distortions. Most individuals suffering from Anorexia have an overall feeling of being overweight.

Some Anorexics have an understanding that they are thin, but are concerned that parts of their bodies are fat. Those areas of the body usually representing maturity or sexuality including the buttocks, hips, thighs, and breasts are visualized by the Anorexic as being fat. An individual with Anorexia Nervosa will often obsessively check their body size and weight through frequent weighing, measuring, pinching, and viewing themselves in a mirror.

With Anorexia self-esteem and self worth is tied directly to the Anorexic's body shape and weight. For an Anorexic, weight loss is viewed as a success, a sign of extraordinary self-discipline, and control over life. Conversely, any real or perceived weight gain is seen as a personal failure and loss of control for the Anorexic.

For some Anorexics, weight loss is so severe there is a loss of menstruation. Medical complications for individuals with Anorexia Nervosa can be severe and even life threatening. Some of the more common potential medical complications include emaciation, bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, impaired renal functioning and gastrointestinal problems. For a complete list of potential medical problems for Anorexia Nervosa, visit our Medical Complications page.

If Anorexia Nervosa is left untreated, it can be fatal.

Anorexia Treatment

Anorexia affects both the body and mind. Rader Programs understands this complexity and will help you to build the anorexia treatment that works best for your lifestyle. Patients often experience body image distortion that can be brought back into healthy proportion with the right anorexia treatment. We offer a variety of programs tailored to your individual needs including 24-hour care through our inpatient facilities, daily support through our daycare sessions, outpatient facilities, continuing care and a family program that allows loved ones to assist in the recovery process. Let Rader Programs design the anorexia treatment plan that will keep you healthy for life.

Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

Anorexia Nervosa destroys lives and tears families apart. Rader Programs is dedicated to designing an anorexia nervosa treatment plan that rebuilds your mind, body and spirit as well as personal relationships for a more balanced lifestyle. Our interdisciplinary staff works around the clock to provide personalized care and give you a solid foundation for your anorexia nervosa treatment plan and total recovery. You will have access to our inpatient facilities, outpatient facilities, daycare sessions, continuing care and a weekend family program that brings your loved ones into the anorexia nervosa treatment process. Let Rader Programs help you take control for a healthier, happier future.