Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder marked by persistent restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted self-perception of body shape and weight.
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe eating disorder marked by persistent restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted self-perception of body shape and weight. Individuals with AN may obsess over calories, weigh themselves repeatedly, and engage in excessive exercise, sometimes to the point of medical danger. Beyond its psychological impact, AN carries serious physical consequences, including cardiovascular complications, electrolyte imbalances, osteoporosis, infertility, and multi-organ failure. In Saudi Arabia, research indicates that while prevalence is lower than in Western countries, awareness is limited, and cases may be underreported. Societal and media-driven beauty ideals, along with pressures for female modesty or body control, may exacerbate risk. Adolescents and young adults are most affected, but adults also present with chronic cases.
What constitutes Anorexia Nervosa?
- Restriction of caloric intake leading to significantly low body weight
- Intense fear of weight gain or becoming fat
- Distorted perception of body shape or self-evaluation
- Subtypes: restricting type (dieting, fasting, exercise) and binge-eating/purging type
Symptoms and warning signs
- Severe weight loss or failure to meet expected growth milestones
- Preoccupation with food, calories, dieting, or “safe” foods
- Avoidance of meals or social eating
- Physical signs: lanugo hair, brittle nails, dry skin, low blood pressure, bradycardia
- Emotional signs: irritability, anxiety, perfectionism, and social withdrawal
Causes and risk factors
- Genetic susceptibility and family history of eating disorders
- Personality traits: perfectionism, obsessive tendencies, high self-criticism
- Environmental factors: exposure to idealized body images, peer or family pressures
- Childhood trauma or stressful life events
Treatment approaches
- Multidisciplinary care: medical stabilization, nutritional rehabilitation, psychotherapy
- CBT-E (Enhanced CBT for Eating Disorders): targeting dysfunctional thoughts about food, weight, and self-image
- Family-Based Therapy (FBT): especially for adolescents; empowers families to support recovery
- Medication: SSRIs may reduce comorbid depression or obsessive thoughts, but are secondary to nutritional rehabilitation
- Monitoring: ongoing follow-up to prevent relapse, monitor medical complications
Why Act Center for Anorexia Nervosa in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia?
Our experienced Anorexia Nervosa therapists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment focusing on nutritional rehabilitation and psychological healing.
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