Many of us are familiar with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder categorized by low body weight, an unrealistic view of body shape and severe food restriction.
However, nestled within the types of eating disorders is a lesser known, yet equally severe, eating disorder known as atypical anorexia.
At Anyone’s Journey, we encounter clients struggling with this condition but have faced misdiagnosis or misunderstanding of their symptoms.
This blog aims to shed light on atypical anorexia and provide clarity on common symptoms, causes and treatment options.
If you suspect you or a loved one is struggling with atypical anorexia, keep reading to learn more.
What is Atypical Anorexia?
Atypical anorexia is an eating disorder that is characterized by many of the same concerning symptoms and psychological challenges as anorexia nervosa.
However, unlike anorexia nervosa, this eating disorder is without significant weight loss present. The individual’s weight remains within or above the normal range.
The lack of weight change can sometimes mask the severity of the disorder and contribute to a delayed diagnosis.
Atypical anorexia is equally severe as any other type of eating disorder. Awareness is crucial to promote early intervention and identify appropriate treatment so you or your loved one has the support necessary.
Atypical Anorexia Symptoms
It is important to know that warning signs and symptoms will vary from person to person.
Restrictive Eating Patterns
Restriction of food can lead to malnutrition or inadequate nourishment. This can look like following a strict diet or drastically limiting caloric intake on a daily basis.
Intense Fear of Weight Gain
Similar to anorexia nervosa, the individual struggling can have an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This fear may be kept internal or shared with friends and family during conversations.
Poor Body Image
One may engage in negative self-talk and perceive his/her body inaccurately. Comments will often be made about being overweight or larger than they actually are.
Obsession with Food
Individuals can have constant thoughts about food, counting calories or rigid meal plans that end up impacting their daily activities and social interactions.
Excessive Exercise
One may start to engage in compulsive or excessive exercise routines despite feelings of fatigue. The focus of this exercise is often to burn calories and/or control weight.
Avoidance of Social Situations Involving Food
Be aware that individuals with atypical anorexia start avoiding social gatherings or events that involve food. The fear of losing control with eating is a driver of this avoidance behavior.
Amenorrhea
In females, atypical anorexia can lead to irregular or absent menstrual cycles due to hormonal imbalances and lack of nourishment.
Medical Complications
Like many eating disorders, health problems such as weakness, fatigue, electrolyte imbalances, cardiovascular issues and declined bone health are all potential signs.
Emotional Distress
Many individuals will experience some level of depression, mood swings, anxiety or other emotional distress as they are pressured to sustain their eating habits and body image ideals.
Hair and Skin Changes
With atypical anorexia, thinning hair, brittle nails, dry skin and sensitivity to cold temperatures can all develop as there is a decline in intake of essential nutrients and a slowed metabolism.
It is important to note that your loved one does not have to present with one of these specific warning signs or symptoms for there to be a concern or further support needed.
What Causes Atypical Anorexia
The development of atypical anorexia, like other eating disorders, is influenced by the complex interaction of biological, psychological, social and environmental factors.
Genetics can play a role if there is a family history of eating disorders or other mental health conditions. Psychological factors such as perfectionism, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction can also contribute to the onset.
Social pressures including societal ideals of thinness and body image can trigger disordered eating behaviors.
Lastly, traumatic life events or extreme emotional distress can cause one to use restrictive eating or other common signs as a coping mechanism.
The interplay of all of these factors is why we emphasize understanding why the behaviors are happening in the first place.
With the assistance of other providers that make up a client’s team (ex. therapist, medical doctor and/or psychiatrist), our clinicians at Anyone’s Journey can start implementing small, incremental nutrition interventions to shift the client away from the disordered lens.
How is Atypical Anorexia Diagnosed?
According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition or DSM-5, Atypical Anorexia is classified under Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED).
As mentioned, all the criteria for anorexia nervosa are met, except significant weight loss. The criteria that is met includes:
- Restriction of energy intake
- Intense fear of weight gain
- Distorted body image
Treatment for Atypical Anorexia
A multidisciplinary approach is typically recommended for treatment as this team involves professionals such as doctors, registered dietitians, psychologists, therapists.
Medical nutrition therapy helps to monitor nutritional intake and provide expert guidance on meal planning. Plus, address any health complications resulting from malnutrition or inadequate nourishment.
At Anyone’s Journey, our ultimate goal is to create an individualized treatment plan and to do this, requires a deep understanding of the client’s thoughts and feelings around food and their body.
Our clinicians value working at a pace that is comfortable for each client. It’s important to recognize, though, when a client requires that extra push to reach their recovery goals.
The accessibility of health information available to our clients can certainly be a contributor to some disordered thoughts and actions. Our job is to provide accurate nutrition information, backed up by science, so the client can start developing their own food philosophy that provides and nourishes their body appropriately.
We strictly offer outpatient treatment; however, we are skilled at referring clients to higher levels of care and helping individuals or families determine the appropriate level of care.
Caregiver Support
Seeking professional help from a healthcare team with expertise in eating disorders is essential. Recovery from atypical anorexia is possible and intervention greatly increases the chances of successful treatment outcomes.
Ongoing support through treatment and recovery is necessary to prevent relapse and maintain progress. If you are a caregiver, you can play a vital role in ensuring this support system is in place for your loved one.
Here are a few tips to creating a supportive environment:
- Educate yourself. Learn all about the warning signs and symptoms, treatment options and potential challenges so you can understand the eating disorder and know how to advocate.
- Understand the treatment plan. Work alongside your healthcare team to understand the treatment plan that has been created and how you can be involved in the process.
- Encourage open communication. Fostering an environment of understanding, empathy and communication will help your loved one focus on expressing thoughts, feelings and needs.
- Practice patience. Treatment and recovery takes time and is a journey with successes and challenges. Avoid pressuring your loved one to recover quickly.
- Take care of yourself. Caregiving can be mentally draining but counseling and support groups are available to help you cope too. Take advantage of these resources as needed.
If you yourself is struggling with atypical anorexia, build a support system by surrounding yourself with family, friends or support groups. These individuals should understand and empathize with your challenges while also alleviating feelings of isolation.
All Eating Disorders Require a Personalized Approach
Overall, the information shared in this blog is meant for educational purposes and to help you gain a better understanding on the complexity of atypical anorexia. It is critical to remember that every eating disorder is different and requires an individualized approach.
Anyone’s Journey specializes in eating disorders and disordered eating with the approach that short strides result in long term possibilities. Our clinicians are also experienced in helping individuals that desire weight loss or are navigating chronic diseases.
It is also never too early, nor too late, to seek guidance on how to help someone with an eating disorder. Contact us by calling 612-638-2778, emailing contact@anyonesjourney.com or completing our New Client Form below.