Psychological anorexia is the act of purposely starving oneself by restricting food intake. This type of self-starvation is not done for weight loss purposes, but for the person to feel a sense of control in their life.
As with all other forms of eating disorders, this has detrimental health effects and can include feelings of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
What is psychological anorexia?
Psychological anorexia is a condition where someone has an intense fear of gaining weight. They may severely restrict their food intake and become extremely thin as a result. This can be a dangerous condition as it can lead to malnutrition and even death.
People with psychological anorexia often have a distorted view of their body size and shape. They may see themselves as being much larger than they actually are. This can lead to a severe lack of self-esteem and body image issues. Treatment for psychological anorexia usually involves therapy and counseling to help the person manage their fears and thoughts about food and their body.
How to spot a case of mental anorexia
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it may be indicative of a more serious problem with mental anorexia:
- Avoiding social situations where food will be present
- Making excuses not to eat meals with others
- Refusing to eat certain foods or skipping meals altogether
- Picking at food and not finishing meals
- Signs of weight loss or being underweight
- Excessive exercise
- Obsessive calorie counting or food restriction
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) – fixating on perceived flaws in appearance
Types of Mental Anorexia
Mental anorexia comes in many different forms.
- Anorexia Nervosa: This is the most well-known type of mental anorexia. It is characterized by a severe fear of gaining weight, as well as a preoccupation with food and body image. People with anorexia nervosa often severely restrict their caloric intake, leading to extreme weight loss.
- Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia nervosa is another common type of mental anorexia. It is characterized by binge eating followed by purging (through vomiting, laxative abuse, or over-exercising). People with bulimia nervosa often have a distorted body image and are obsessed with staying thin.
- Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder is similar to bulimia nervosa, but without the purging component. People with binge eating disorder frequently eat large amounts of food in short periods of time and feel out of control during these binges. They may feel ashamed and embarrassed afterwards, but they are unable to stop themselves from overeating.
- Orthorexia Nervosa: Orthorexia nervosa is a relatively new diagnosis that refers to an obsession with healthy eating. People with orthorexia become fixated on consuming only “healthy” foods and avoid anything that they deem to be unhealthy or impure. This can lead to
How to treat and medicate for mental anorexia
If you or someone you know is suffering from mental anorexia, it is important to seek professional help. Mental anorexia is a serious psychological condition that can lead to severe physical health problems, and even death.
There are a variety of treatment options available for mental anorexia, and the most effective approach will vary depending on the individual. However, there are some general treatments that can be helpful for many people suffering from this condition.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used treatments for mental anorexia. CBT helps patients to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their condition. This type of therapy can be conducted individually or in a group setting.
Medication can also be used to treat mental anorexia. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help to regulate mood and ease anxiety. These medications can be taken alone or in combination with CBT.
Inpatient treatment may be necessary for people who are severely underweight or who have other medical complications as a result of their mental anorexia. Inpatient treatment programs provide 24-hour care and supervision, and they typically last for several weeks or months.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental anorexia, please seek professional help. There are many resources available to those suffering from this condition, and treatment can lead to significant improvements in quality of life.
Conclusion
If you're struggling with psychological anorexia, know that you're not alone. This disorder is more common than you might think, and there are people who understand what you're going through. There is hope for recovery, and with the right treatment plan, you can start to feel better. If you need help finding a treatment center or therapist, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We want to see you get the help you need to heal and recover.
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