Those suffering from this eating disorder are typically suffering from an extremely low body weight relative to their height and body type. In a vicious cycle of self-starvation, the body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally. Thus, the body is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy, resulting in serious medical consequences.An individual suffering from anorexia nervosa may reveal one or several signs and symptoms such as:Electrolyte imbalance, anemia, amenorrhea, paleness and weakness, constipation, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and even osteoporosis, etc.

Treatment can involve medication, psychotherapy, family therapy, and nutrition counseling. A comprehensive plan must be tailored to meet the individual's needs.

Hospitalization may be needed if there is severe weight loss or malnutrition, a persistent refusal to eat, or a psychiatric emergency.

The sufferers often do not seek help – they may go to great lengths to hide their behavior from family and friends, and sometimes might not realize that they’re ill. If you suspect that you or someone you know has anorexia nervosa you should be kind and respectful rather than judgmental. Help them to look into providers of treatment to find who can best help immediately.

The prodromal symptoms of this disease are easily overlooked in daily life due to the values of the general public, and even the patients themselves are quite difficult to detect and lack the sense of disease. Important, and most of the patients prone to this disease are easily shaken at the psychological level and lack confidence in themselves. The listening and support of others are relatively important in the treatment process.

    1.蘇筱媛、蔡淑敏 (2020)‧節制型與清除型神經性厭食症個案報告‧臺灣營養學會雜誌，44(3)，92-100。

    https://doi.org/10.6691/NSJ.202009_44(3).0003