Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by obsessive dieting and starvation. The sufferer typically is below a weight that would be considered normal for his or her height. An anorexic individual may be abnormally concerned about being perceived as fat or have a fear of becoming fat, even despite being underweight or thin. He or she may also be afraid of losing control over the amount of food consumed.

While the specific causes vary from case to case, generally, anorexics are reacting to internal and external conflicts, such as stress, anxiety, unhappiness, or feeling like their lives are out of control. Most people with eating disorders have low self-esteem and a desire for acceptance. Some also may feel that they do not deserve pleasure out of life, and will deprive themselves of the pleasure that can be found from food.

People who become anorexic were often good students in childhood. They are usually eager to please and strive to set themselves apart from others. Many anorexics are perfectionists or have a low tolerance for change.

There are a wide variety of ways in which someone with anorexia can display his or her disorder. The basic trait of an anorexic is maintaining overly strict control of food intake. Some behavioral signs include counting calories and fat grams, starvation and restriction of food, the use of diet pills, and persistent concern with body image. Anorexics sometimes eat junk food (particularly candy), drink a lot of coffee or tea, and/or smoke cigarettes. More Symptoms.

There is a direct connection between this eating disorder and clinical depression. Anorexia is also linked with irritability, withdrawal, fatigue, and strange food rituals. Many of those suffering with Anorexia are survivors of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

About 80% of persons with eating disorders who seek professional help recover completely or make significant progress. All in all, eating disorders are behavior patterns that display very complex emotional conflicts, which need to be resolved for the person to have a healthy relationship with food.

If you think you have an eating disorder, contact CAPS at (215) 898-7021 or The Renfrew Center of Philadelphia at 1-800-RENFREW.