First off, let me give you some background information on anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder in which one feels that their body weight is a direct reflection of their self esteem. They feel that if they don't starve themselves that they are failing themselves. Let me make this point very clear: anorexia nervosa is not about weight, food intake, or anything relating to body composition; anorexia is triggered by control issues. If one feels that they have no control in their life, they restrict their food intake in order to maintain a sense of control.

Anorexia is a very difficult disorder to treat and will probably take a long time to attain relapse-free recovery. The most difficult part of anorexia is convincing someone that they have a disorder. Anorectics are usually proud of their disorder and feel that they cannot live without it. This is unlike bulimia. Bulimics are ashamed of their disorder and desire to change. The hardest part in treating anorexia is instilling the desire to change, this is why it takes an average of seven years to fully recover from anorexia.

How do I know if my friend or loved one is anorectic? If you notice your friend eating less and less and if they complain about dizziness, fatigue, amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation), stomach pains, and/or feeling cold (even in warm weather) then they might be anorectic. Also, if you notice a significant loss of body weight (loss of 15% or more within two months) along with any combination of the above symptoms, then your friend is probably experiencing anorectic tendencies. Any diet that consists of nine hundred calories or less is considered a starvation diet. Observe what your friend eat, but do not make it a point to ask them if they've eaten nor should you be blatant about your observation, this would cause a rise in the desire to control due to a perceived loss of control.

Anorexia is often coupled with body dysmorphic disorder. When your friend looks in the mirror they do not see what the rest of the world sees, they see someone who is significantly overweight. Remember it is not their fault that they are anorectic. Your friend is not using anorexia to seek attention nor are they using it to "get back at you" for anything. They feel that they cannot control the fundamental circumstances of their life and therefore feel that the last thing they have true power over is their food intake.

So, what can you do as a supportive friend to help them? First I will say this much, if your friend is dangerously below their normal weight range then immediate hospitalization would be recommended. If you are unsure if your friend has a dangerously low body weight, then compel them to go to a family doctor and let the doctor decide. Many times, anorectics don't need hospitalization but they do need help! Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to force your friend or loved one to eat. This would be extremely counterproductive; remember: anorexia is about control, not calories. Be supportive, not of their behavior, but of their well being. Always be open to talk with them and above all, show them love.

Current research suggests that anorectics suffer from an overabundance of serotonin in their brain which would cause anxiety. Starvation decreases the amount of serotonin but also reduces it to a point where the anorectic enters into a state of deep depression.

Above all, seek professional help when dealing with an anorectic friend. You cannot help them alone. Remember that no one is at fault; it is a disease just like any other. Through loving concern you can assist your friend in the recovery process.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Konesky.
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