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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Anorexia Nervosa: Symptoms & Signs
      Category : Health Centers > Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Alternate Names : Anorexia

Anorexia Nervosa | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

Individuals with anorexia often have the following characteristics:

  • behavior that isolates them from others
  • excessive dependency needs
  • flat affect, or a face that doesn't display normal emotions
  • immaturity
  • obsessive-compulsive behavior
  • tendency toward an excess of exercise or other physical activity
  • The malnutrition caused by anorexia can affect many body systems. Some common symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

  • amenorrhea, or absence of menstruation
  • arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats
  • constipation
  • delayed puberty
  • difficulty concentrating, apathy, or irritability
  • fatigue
  • slow pulse and low blood pressure that can cause fainting
  • If people repeatedly make themselves vomit to keep their weight down, they may develop:

  • erosion of the tooth enamel, leading to cavities
  • esophagitis, or inflammation of the esophagus which can cause heartburn
  • An individual with anorexia may also show symptoms of depression or drug abuse.


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    Anorexia Nervosa: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

     

    Anorexia Nervosa: Diagnosis & Tests

    Author: Michael Johnson, MD
    Reviewer: Adam Brochert, MD
    Date Reviewed: 05/30/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006