The key clinical feature of anorexia nervosa is the person's deliberate goal to achieve and maintain a low body weight at which the body does not function normally. Anorexia nervosa is essentially characterised by:
- severe restriction of food intake
- loss of body weight to an unhealthy level
- loss of menstrual periods (in females)
- an intense fear of getting fat and/or losing control of eating
- often a disturbed body image for example, still regarding self as fat despite being underweight.
Symptoms and characteristics
Other possible symptoms/characteristics of anorexia nervosa not already described previously include:
- faintness, dizziness, fatigue
- increased mood changes, irritability
- social withdrawal/isolation
- anxiety and/or depression related symptoms
- increased interest in preparing food for others
- obsessive rituals such as only drinking out of a certain cup
- wearing baggy clothes/change in clothing style
- excessive or fluctuating exercise patterns
- avoidance of social situations involving food
- making frequent excuses not to eat
- slow eating/eating with teaspoons
- hoarding food
- rearranging food on the plate.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Given the potential seriousness of the disease, it is best simply to encourage medical intervention or psychological counselling if it is suspected that an employee has anorexia nervosa. However, it is important to remember that for most sufferers one of the hardest things to do is to admit to the problem. The next hardest thing for them is to accept professional help. Those with an eating disorder are often competent, independent employees who may not be comfortable sharing their feelings/concerns with others. They may also feel too ashamed or embarrassed to reveal to someone what they are doing. Try to be patient and understanding.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
Other information that may be useful when considering Anorexia Nervosa can be found at the following links:
References
The Australian Psychological Society Ltd. 2011, Understanding and Managing Eating Disorders, The Australian Psychological Society Ltd., Melbourne, viewed 3 February 2011, http://www.psychology.org.au/publications/tip_sheets/eating/#s2
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria Inc. 2009, What is an Eating Disorder?, Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria, Glen Iris, viewed 3 February 2011, http://eatingdisorders.org.au/eating-disorders/what-is-an-eating-disorder.html
The Butterfly Foundation 2009, Fact Sheet: What is Anorexia Nervosa?, The Butterfly Foundation, Melbourne, viewed 3 February 2011, http://thebutterflyfoundation.org.au/Uploaded_Files/CMS_Image/file/Anorexia%20Nervosa%20Fact%20Sheet%281%29.pdf