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Anorexia Nervosa

Clarity Clinic is a sanctuary of healing and support for individuals on the journey to overcome the grip of anorexia nervosa. Our Anorexia Nervosa treatment is thoughtfully designed to provide comprehensive care, compassionate guidance, and a pathway toward reclaiming health and well-being. Led by a team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists, Clarity Clinic is dedicated to helping you break free from the chains of anorexia and embrace a life marked by vitality, self-acceptance, and empowerment.
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Anorexia Nervosa Defined

Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that is distinguished by restrictive eating, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight. People with anorexia spend a large part of their life doing what they can to control their rights and go to extremes to keep their weight low. Their focus on their weight is so severe that it interferes with their life and is dangerous to their physical health. Anorexia is not about food, but related to an inability to handle extreme emotional stressors healthily.

Anorexia is far less common in males than in females. Anorexia can affect people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and ethnicities. Although the disorder most frequently begins during adolescence, an increasing number of children and older adults are also being diagnosed with anorexia. Just because a person is not immensely underweight or a person is not visibly emaciated, does not mean they do not suffer from anorexia. Studies have found that individuals of all body types can have anorexia.

Anorexia Nervosa Causes

Anorexia nervosa commonly begins during adolescence or young adulthood. It rarely begins before puberty or after the age of 40. The onset of this disorder is often associated with a stressful life event, like leaving home for college. There may be a genetic component to those who are at higher risk of developing anorexia. It is still not clear which genes are involved. People that have a genetic tendency toward perseverance, perfectionism, and sensitivity are all traits associated with anorexia. Other people with anorexia may have obsessive-compulsive personality traits, which contribute to their ability to stick to strict diets. High levels of anxiety play a role in their ability to engage in restrictive eating. Finally, in the modern Western world, there is an emphasis and pressure on being thin. Being thin is attributed to being successful and beautiful, and striving toward this goal may play a role.

Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms

There are several physical symptoms related to anorexia nervosa. They may include:

  • Extreme weight loss or not making expected developmental weight gains
  • Insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dehydration
  • Thin appearance
  • Swelling of the arms or legs
  • Abnormal blood counts
  • Intolerance of cold
  • Absence of menstruation
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Dry or yellowish skin
  • Bluish discoloration of the fingers
  • Constipation and abdominal pain
  • Irregular heart rhythms
  • Hair that thins, breaks, or falls out
  • Soft, downy hair covering the body, also known as lanugo
  • Eroded teeth and calluses on the knuckles from induced vomiting

Suicide risk is elevated in anorexia nervosa, with rates reported as 12 per 100,000 per year.

How to Approach a Loved One About Anorexia

There is no perfect way to approach a loved one that you assume or know is struggling with anorexia. Since the desire to remain thin is their biggest concern, even over their health, your loved one may not be interested in seeking help, no matter what you say. If you notice that a family member or friend has severe dieting habits and dissatisfaction with appearance, or low self-esteem, consider talking to him or her about these issues. Urge them to talk to their doctor. Even though you may not be able to prevent your loved one from developing anorexia, you can still talk about healthier behavior or treatment options. You must reassure your loved ones that they will not be alone and that you will support them in getting the help they need.

Types of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment

People with anorexia can recover, but they have an increased risk of relapse during periods of high stress or triggering situations.It is important to have ongoing therapy or periodic appointments during times of stress as well as nutrition education for continued recovery. Treating anorexia is generally done with a team approach due to the physical aspects that impact the body. The team usually includes dietitians, mental health professionals, and doctors.

Family-based Therapy

This is the only evidence-based treatment for teenagers with anorexia. Teenagers with anorexia are unable to make good choices about eating and health while suffering from anorexia. This type of therapy prepares their parents to help their child with re-feeding and weight restoration until their child can make good choices about health. Family therapy is also helpful because it allows the family to understand and realize the roles they are playing in supporting the disordered eating, and suggests ways the family can help the person with anorexia acknowledge the problem and seek out treatment.

Individual Therapy

Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for anorexia and has the greatest research support. One goal of psychotherapy is to normalize eating patterns and behaviors to support weight gain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, specifically enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy, has been shown to help. Cognitive-behavioral therapy will often focus on identifying and altering dysfunctional thought patterns, attitudes, and beliefs, which may trigger and perpetuate the person’s restrictive eating. Another goal is to help change distorted beliefs and thoughts that maintain restrictive eating. Individual therapy can be very helpful in addressing not only your disordered eating but also your overall emotional health and happiness. The purpose is to address the underlying cognitive and emotional issues that result in anorexia.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a powerful and transformative therapeutic approach that brings individuals together to navigate their challenges in a supportive and empathetic environment. In a group setting led by experienced therapists, participants share their experiences, emotions, and insights, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. This collaborative space offers a unique opportunity to gain diverse perspectives, learn from one another, and develop valuable coping strategies. Through the shared journey of growth, group therapy promotes healing, self-discovery, and a profound sense of community that empowers each participant on their path to well-being.

Medication Management

There are no medications that are approved to treat anorexia.

Tools for Lasting Recovery and Empowerment

Our Anorexia Nervosa treatment equips you with practical tools and skills to support your journey toward lasting recovery:

  • Meal Support and Planning: Receive guidance and support regarding meal times to overcome anxiety and establish healthy eating habits.
  • Relapse Prevention: Develop strategies to identify triggers, manage setbacks, and maintain progress toward recovery.
  • Body Image and Self-Esteem: Cultivate a positive body image and improve self-esteem through guided activities and therapeutic approaches.
  • Stress Management: Learn effective techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotions that may contribute to disordered eating patterns.

Invest in Anorexia Recovery Today

If you're ready to break free from the grip of anorexia nervosa and embrace a life of health and well-being, Clarity Clinic is here for you. Our dedicated team is committed to supporting you on your journey toward recovery, self-discovery, and empowerment.

Anorexia Nervosa Providers

Elizabeth
Elizabeth Black, LCPC
Director of Clinical Therapy- Lakeview
Ryan
Ryan Atkins, PA
Psychiatry
Cesar
Cesar Feijoo, PA-C
PA-C
Hannah
Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
PA-C
Lauren
Lauren Isdale, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Gabriella
Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
Cyrus
Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
Kumail
Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Megan
Megan Becker, PA-C
PA-C
Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
PA-C
Sankrant
Sankrant Reddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Stephanie
Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
Psychiatry
Ashley
Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
PA-C
Christine
Christine Lantin, PA-C
PA-C
Brittney
Brittney Segoviano, LCPC
Therapist
Bianca
Bianca Miller, LCPC
Therapist
Sudhakar
Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Sharon
Sharon Koys, PA-C
PA-C
Sahar
Sahar Eftekhar, DO
General & Addiction Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
Psychiatrist
Rebecca
Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
PA-C
Nicole
Nicole Ortiz, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Elana
Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
Pavan
Pavan Prasad, MD
Psychiatrist
Mariyah
Mariyah Hussain, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Marc
Marc Sandrolini, MD
Psychiatry
Kiran Binal
Kiran Binal Maharaja, MD
Psychiatrist
Katherine
Katherine Evans, LCPC
Therapist
Kalyan
Kalyan Rao, MD
Psychiatrist
Jonathan
Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
Psychiatrist
James
James Histed, Clinical Intern
Therapy Clinical Intern
Jessica
Jessica Masbaum, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Ivy
Ivy Poma, PA-C
PA-C
Jeanette
Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
PA-C
Jamie
Jamie Schubert, PA-C
PA-C
Sherita
Sherita Hernton, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Schaffer, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Thomas
Thomas Thurlow, NP
Psychiatry
Savannah
Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Kathryn
Kathryn Ross, PA-C
Psychiatry
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
PA-C
Irena
Irena Markova, PMHNP
Psychiatry
Ravali
Ravali Poreddy, MD
Psychiatrist
Ariella
Ariella Panos, PA-C
PA-C
James
James Ham, PA-C
Psychiatry
Rayna
Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
PA-C
Sierra
Sierra Purcell, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Hoag, MD
Psychiatrist
Ali
Ali Sheikha, PA-C
PA-C
Grace
Grace Starrs, PA-C
Psychiatry
Cassie
Cassie Donahue, PA-C
Psychiatry
Gayathri
Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
PA-C
Samuel
Samuel Eckert, PA-C
PA-C
Rafael
Rafael Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist
Nicholas
Nicholas Little, PA-C
PA-C
Scott
Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
Mira
Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
Miriam
Miriam Mixon, LCSW
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Jessica
Jessica Baran, LCPC
Therapy
Justin
Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
Jerri
Jerri Ganz, LCSW
Therapy
Heather
Heather Holmes, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Filip, PA-C
PA-C
Jenna
Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
PA-C
Caitlin
Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
PA-C
Camryn
Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
PA-C
Carolyn
Carolyn Klinkert, LCPC
Therapist, Clinical Supervisor
Brittany
Brittany Wilson, LPC
Therapy
Alexandra
Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
PA-C
Allegria
Allegria Knouse, PA-C
PA-C
Bakhtawar
Bakhtawar Usman, PA-C
Psychiatry
Alyssa
Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
PA-C

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