The fear of becoming fat, obsession with your weight or body size, the refusal of food, and the rapid loss of weight all characterize the eating disorder known as anorexia nervosa.  For the women that suffer from anorexia, the goal of getting increasingly thinner can become dangerously hazardous to their health. 

Anorexia is oftentimes caused by social anxiety and low self-esteem.  Extroverted, successful professional women that are outgoing are especially susceptible.  Many different factors play a role and their distorted perception of their own body and subsequent desire to want to be thin.  This causes their sensations of hunger and satiety to also be drastically imprecise.  While they are still able to achieve career goals, anorexic women suffer from much anxiety, clouding their judgmental abilities.  She may be more controlling of others’ diets, while at the same time limiting her intake of food.  Fearing their eating patterns being noticed, the anorexic may start to eat by themselves and become increasingly hostile and/or moody.  If their loved ones start to point out this behavior, she may start to isolate herself even more.

The Cause(s) of Anorexia

Just as there may be different behaviors that characterize anorexia, there are also many different causes that are unique to each respective woman who suffers from the disorder.  It is extremely important to learn these causes that lead to anorexia.  However, it is equally important that family and loved ones not feel guilty or responsible for it.

In our own experience, we have discovered that there exists such a wide range of sources for eating disorders in women that a few or all of the following factors could contribute to anorexia:

[More detail concerning these factors can be seen on our page about the causes of anorexia.]

Obviously, each and every woman is unique, therefore it is vital to get to know her and spend time learning about her and her experiences in order to make a determination regarding the source of the anorexia nervosa.  This information is used by our eating disorder staff to customize a personalized recovery program to provide each woman with the utmost and specific, targeted help possible to defeat the disorder.

Our Diagnosis Criteria of Anorexia Nervosa

The Victoria utilizes a comprehensive screening and assessment procedure to assist in the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa in the women who come to us for help.  It is easy to start on the path of recovery from anorexia, whether it is for yourself or your loved one.  Simply call us at (888)268-9182 or complete our confidential online eating disorder assessment form.

To help women (or their concerned loved ones) that feel they may be anorexic understand the importance of obtaining treatment, we have created a short introductory eating disorder treatment quiz.

The Physical Symptoms Associated With Anorexia:

• Considerable self-induced loss of weight or the stoppage of typical weight gain, resulting in less than 85% of healthy growth.
• Amenorrhea (absence of the menses) for three months
• Disruption in normal growth
• Loss in libido
• Hair thinning
• Dryer than usual skin and dry or chapped lips
• Weak circulation, frail fingernails, easily bruised

The Psychological Symptoms Associated With Anorexia:

• Unreasonable (or morbid) fear of becoming fat together with a severe desire to be thin
• A distorted self-perception of body image, as well as a disproportionate reliance on weight or body shape for self-esteem
• Signs of symptoms related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Low self-esteem or a low opinion of oneself
• Display symptoms of depression

The Interpersonal/Relationship Symptoms Associated with Anorexia:

• Eating in secret from normal eating habits
• Trouble getting along with friends and family members
• Becoming defensive and agitated when confronted about weight or food

The Behavioral Symptoms Associated with Anorexia

• Exercising an exorbitant amount
• Fainting due to malnutrition
• Physically harming oneself (by “cutting” or even attempting suicide)

Who Are Those Most “At Risk” For Anorexia?

Anyone at any age can develop anorexia nervosa.  Through our experience, we have observed certain patterns and typical behaviors and backgrounds in the women that have sought help at The Victorian.  The fact remains, however:

·        No “typical anorexic girl” exists.  Everyone is different

·        Every rule contains numerous exceptions

• The number of men that suffer from anorexia has been increasing in recent years

Through our own studies, it appears that anorexia is especially common in young women between the ages of 18 to 25.  This female age range represents about 40% of all the cases of anorexia that we have treated.  Anorexia does not discriminate through age and that is evidenced in the seniors that we have treated for the disease.  Men or women that are in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s can develop anorexia nervosa.

Our Treatment for Anorexia

When it comes to a disease as harmful as anorexia, you want to get the best treatment available.  The Victorian is the leading treatment center in California for the dangerous eating disorder.  Our proven and effective eating disorder treatment program, coupled with 25 years of treatment experience as part of Sober Living by the Sea, has linked us to the best counselors, therapists, doctors, and psychiatrists in Southern California.  No trivial feat, considering Southern California is the recovery capital of the world.

Each and every woman who comes to us for treatment of anorexia nervosa receives an extensive assessment and is screened for physical as well as mental issues.  This assures that the proper and appropriate level of care will be immediately provided.  During treatment, she will reside along with other women that are in eating disorder recovery in a spectacular home.  She will then be in a comprehensive treatment program that includes:

• Individual, one-on-one therapy
• Group therapy
• Body image groups
• Education on nutrition
• Assistance in the preparation and consumption of means in a group
• 12-Step support groups
• Closely monitored and controlled living arrangements
• Supervised group trips to restaurants (in phases 3 and 4)

In addition, there are physical fitness requirements and participation in outdoor activities designed to build necessary self-esteem.  It teaches women how to “have fun, feel good about yourself, AND all the while following a healthy diet regimen.”  To learn more information on this, see our eating disorder treatment daily activities schedule.