Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia Nervosa is characterised by significant restriction of food intake, accompanied by preoccupation with weight and shape, and extreme fear of weight gain. As a result of poor nourishment a person with Anorexia Nervosa can become seriously compromised in many areas of their life, including physical and mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing.

'Atypical' Anorexia Nervosa

Not all people with a diagnosis or Anorexia Nervosa are in the very low weight range. A diagnosis of Atypical Anorexia Nervosa is used when someone meets all of the behavioural and psychological criteria for Anorexia Nervosa, but they are not in a low weight range. Recent research suggests that Atypical Anorexia Nervosa may in fact be more common than the 'typical' version of the disorder, and due to a lack of recognition many people with this illness may not be accessing appropriate treatment. It is important to note however that ‘Atypical’ Anorexia Nervosa can be just as serious as the more commonly recognised form of the disorder, and needs to be treated seriously.

More information is available from the National Eating Disorders Collaboration.