mental health disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa
A doctor's evaluation Tests to check for problems due to anorexia nervosa Because people do not think they have a problem, they resist evaluation and treatment. Usually, they are brought to the doctor’s office by family members, or they come because of another medical issue. Doctors measure height and weight and use the results to calculate the Overview of Nutrition (BMI). Doctors also ask people how they feel about their body and weight and whether they have other symptoms. Doctors may use questionnaires developed to detect eating disorders. Doctors also check for other disorders that can cause weight loss or a reluctance to eat, such as Schizophrenia , If people have the following, anorexia nervosa is more likely: Restriction of eating that results in a low body weight, usually with a BMI of less than 17 (or for children, a BMI less than the 5th percentile for their age or less than what is expected based on prior growth—seeCDC Growth Charts) Fear of obesity A distorted body image and/or denial that they have a serious disorder Anorexia nervosa may be diagnosed in children and adolescents who have not lost weight but have not grown as expected because they restrict their food intake. Doctors also do a physical examination and blood and urine tests to check for effects of weight loss and undernutrition. A Bone density testing may be done to check for loss of bone density. Without treatment, severe anorexia nervosa is fatal in nearly 10% of people. 