A brief guide to understanding Anorexia Nervosa in adolescents and adults.
‘Typical’ Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder defined as severe calorie restriction and often a low body weight. It is a complex condition that has psychological, behavioral and physical symptoms. Understanding why a person can develop an eating disorder such as anorexia, requires an understanding of the role of anorexia in an adolescent or adults’ life. At times it could be used as a maladaptive coping strategy to manage an adolescent or adults stress or anxiety.
Some other conditions can contribute the risk of an adolescent or adult developing an eating disorder. such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), trauma- Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (CPTSD) or neurodiversity e.g., ADHD, ASD. Such conditions or thought patterns can result in a person having underlying anxiety and Anorexia Nervosa can offer a sense of control over this anxiety, such as numbing. Understanding if anorexia nervosa is difficult to treat and can recovery be reached by the person alone or within a multidisciplinary team is helpful when evaluating success in treatment leading to recovery.
Is Anorexia Nervosa difficult to treat in Adolescents and Adults?
Anorexia Nervosa can be difficult to treat as the initial stages of the condition can offer some positive results. Such as friends or family providing positive feedback on initial weight loss, “you’re looking great” these comments reinforce that the restrictions is positive. A sense of achievement following a restrictive plan, this sense of control (the restriction) enables the adolescent or adult to feel in control of certain parts of their life, while other areas they may feel not in control of, such as school, work or life in general.
Society or peer pressure, preoccupation with slenderness and the physical exterior have been cited as maintaining factors in anorexia nervosa. Research conducted by National Eating Disorders Recovery Centre (NEDRC) into the thought patterns people with anorexia nervosa present with. One such study looked at the Eating Disorder Belief Questionnaire (EDBQ). The belief that “if my body is lean I can feel good about myself” People were asked to rate 0 I do not usually believe this at all to 100 I am usually completely convinced that this is true.
Examining a sample size of 33 responses, a pattern was identified with 81% answering 70 and above. further defining the highest responses were at 100 points with 60% of respondents completely convinced that being lean means they can feel better. While only 9% of respondent rated this statement 30 points or less.
Can you treat Anorexia Nervosa by yourself?
If an adolescent or adult is dealing with Anorexia Nervosa they may not have the strength or will to recover without the support of friends or family and a multidisciplinary team. Many studies have shown that early interventions can determine the success of any treatment in eating disorders. Therefore, an earlier intervention by friends or family or a multidisciplinary team can prevent some deep complications of Anorexia Nervosa.
As the mental health condition becomes more ingrained, the person’s personality and medical complications become more noticeable and the person may become medically unstable. Conditions such as Hypoglycemia defined as low blood sugar can become more common. Combining this with muscle atrophy in anorexia. When the body does not have enough energy and breaks down muscle for fuel. The combination of these can result in cardiac muscle reducing and lowers the adolescent or adults’ circulation. As the body prioritises its internal organs for energy and blood supply. It reduces the circulation to its hands and feet. This can be noticed in the person as cold hands or feet no matter how many layers of clothes they wear.
What is the most successful treatment for anorexia Nervosa?
The multidisciplinary team approach for the patient with disordered eating is widely recognised as best practice and outcomes. Team members include a Psychiatrist, a Dietician, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Family therapist, Social worker, Occupational therapist, Mental Health Nurses and Peer support.
All experienced in the care of individuals with disordered eating. Each member of the treatment team has unique skills and responsibilities with respect to patient care. However, there is considerable overlap in what each member of the treatment team does to promote recovery from disordered eating. Supporting an adolescent or adult and family through a multidisciplinary team approach gives the person the highest level of guidance in how best to support the person.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14583163/
Can you recover from Anorexia Nervosa?
Recovery of adolescents and adults presenting for treatment with Anorexia Nervosa has been directly related to the length of time before interventions commence and the length of time a person had the condition before obtaining professional help. Studies show that “the prognosis of anorexia nervosa is guarded. Morbidity rates range from 10-20%, with only 50% of patients making a complete recovery. Of the remaining 50%, 20% remain emaciated and 25% remain thin. The remaining 10% become overweight or die of starvation.22 Jun 2023”. This is what many studies across the world concur.
However, this does not mean that recovery is not possible. But that getting professional help sooner is highly recommended for a positive outcome. For adolescents and adults with Anorexia Nervosa for a longer period of time, a multidisciplinary team can provide an increased prognoses for the person. A sample of a client who received treatment at National Eating Disorder Recovery Centre (NEDRC) and more can be found on our reviews, where each card provides an insight into a person’s experience at NEDRC.
NEDRC client feedback – reviews
Where can I get help for Adolescents and Adults with anorexia?
The National Eating Disorders Recovery Centre (NEDRC) based in Dublin 4, Ireland. Offers treatment for adolescents and adults with Anorexia Nervosa and other eating disorders. Our multidisciplinary team lead by our Consultant Psychiatrist. Regulated by the Mental Health Commission of Ireland as an Approved Centre for 8 residential beds (adults). NEDRC Day programme for adults and our Adolescent Day programme. Our outpatient services can also help adolescents and adults with our specialist Psychologists and Dietitians. NEDRC programmes are covered by VHI, Irish Life, Garda Medical Aid and the HSE provides funding in certain cases.
If you would like to discuss the concerns you have about a love one, contact NEDRC in confidence. We are happy to listen and guide you through.
NEDRC can help you and your loved one take that vital step to regain a happy, healthy life. Please use the contact details below to find out about our eating disorder treatment options available to you and your loved one. Contact NEDRC
Telephone: 01 564 4450 or Mobile: 087 7755996 / Email enquiries@nedrc.ie
For referrals from Healthcare/ Therapeutic professionals please contact via : referrals@nedrc.ie or healthlink@nedrc.ie or online via Healthlink
Healthmail users can send referrals to healthmail@nedrc.ie
