How to Recognize the Psychological Signs of Anorexia

Anorexia is a disease that carries huge physical, psychological and cultural impacts. Patients literally starve themselves to gain control over perceived weight problems, despite being severely underweight. Anorexia is a disease of hidden symptoms, as most anorexics appear quite normal and functional to the outside world. Learning how to recognize the psychological signs of anorexia is a big step in the direction of treating this dangerous disease.

Instructions

Recognize the Psychological Signs of Anorexia

• 1

  Listen to how a person describes herself. Anorexics, though severely underweight, continue to believe that they weigh too much. This delusional thinking is a primary marker for anorexia nervosa.

• 2

  Monitor social skills. Anorexics prefer to be isolated so that they can hide their symptoms. They may also be self-conscious about socializing and embarrassed about their bodies.

• 3

  Keep an eye on irrational or unpredictable behavior. Due to the physical stresses of the disorder, many anorexics develop intense feelings of anxiety, depression and irritability.

• 4

  Note the person's level of interest in food and exercise, and determine whether it seems irregular or obsessive. With anorexia, patients have an unhealthy fixation on caloric intake and physical appearance. Sometimes, a person with anorexia will develop an intense exercise regimen.

• 5

  Examine personality traits that often lead to anorexia. Introversion, perfectionism, obsession, low self-esteem, control issues and difficulty expressing emotions comprise the anorexic personality.

• 6

  Don't be fooled by cover-up behavior. Anorexics prefer to act in isolation and avoid having their behaviors revealed to others. Therefore, an anorexic will likely take on many household tasks that exhibit a normal relationship with food, such as preparing elaborate meals or grocery shopping.

Know the Facts About Anorexia

• 7

  Consider age. Most people develop signs of anorexia during the teen years as they struggle to regain control over their rapidly changing bodies.

• 8

  Factor the effects of gender. Anorexia appears 90 percent of the time in females. However, the rate of male anorexia may be misrepresented due to under-reporting and misdiagnosis.

• 9

  Recognize family patterns. Anorexia does have a genetic component, but the behavior can also be learned, passing from one generation to the next.

• 10

  Know the demographics. Anorexia appears most often in Caucasians and at higher income levels.