Anorexia nervosa is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, severe restriction of food intake, and a distorted body image.
It affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, often leading to significant physical, emotional, and social consequences.
At The Summit Wellness Group, a leading anorexia nervosa treatment center in Atlanta, Georgia, we understand the complexity of anorexia nervosa eating disorder treatment and are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to support individuals on their journey to recovery.
Our eating disorder treatment programs, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), are designed to address each client’s unique needs, fostering lasting healing through a holistic and personalized approach.
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a mental health disorder defined by extreme calorie restriction, leading to significantly low body weight, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted perception of one’s body. Individuals with anorexia often see themselves as overweight, even when they are dangerously underweight.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), anorexia is classified in two subtypes:
- Restrictive Type: involves severe dieting and excessive exercise
- Binge-Eating/Purging Type: includes episodes of binge eating (consuming excessive amounts of food) followed by purging behaviors like vomiting or laxative use.
Unlike other types of eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or binge-eating disorder, anorexia is not solely about food but is deeply rooted in psychological and emotional struggles.
It often serves as a coping mechanism for managing stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem, giving individuals a sense of control in an otherwise overwhelming world.
Anorexia is a serious medical illness, not a lifestyle choice, and requires professional intervention to address its multifaceted nature.
How Common is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa affects approximately 0.3% to 1% of the population. It is more common among females than males, with females suffering from this condition three times as much as males, though the condition is increasingly being recognized in males.
The onset typically occurs during adolescence or early adulthood, with a notable increase in cases among young women aged 15 to 19 since the 1930s.
Global incidence rates of eating disorders, including anorexia, have risen from 3.4% (2000-2006) to 7.8% (2013-2018), reflecting growing societal pressures around body image and appearance.
While historically viewed as a condition affecting Western cultures, anorexia is now recognized across diverse ethnic and cultural groups, underscoring its universal impact.
At The Summit Wellness Group, we acknowledge this widespread prevalence and tailor our programs to serve clients from all backgrounds, ensuring culturally sensitive and inclusive care.
Causes of Anorexia Nervosa
The causes of anorexia nervosa are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors.
- Genetic studies suggest a strong hereditary component, with individuals who have a family history of eating disorder, depression, or substance use disorders being at higher risk. Twin studies indicate that 33-50% of anorexia cases may be attributed to genetic predisposition.
- Biological factors, such as abnormalities in brain chemistry (serotonin dysregulation) or metabolic functioning, also play a role.
- Psychological factors, including perfectionism, low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive traits, are common among those with anorexia.
- Social influences, such as societal idealization of thinness, pressure from media, or involvement in appearance-focused activities like modeling or ballet, further exacerbate risk.
- Environmental factors, such as childhood trauma, dysfunctional family dynamics, or peer pressure, can also contribute.
While no single cause explains anorexia, these factors interact to create a “perfect storm” that triggers and sustains the disorder.
At The Summit Wellness Group, we conduct thorough assessments to identify the unique causes of each client’s condition. This ensures a tailored level of care that addresses root issues while mitigating symptoms.
What Does Anorexia Nervosa Look Like?
Anorexia nervosa manifests through a range of physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms.
- Physical signs include significant weight loss, a BMI less than or equal to 18.5, amenorrhea (in females), hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, and feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Due to malnutrition, individuals may also experience cold intolerance, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
- Behavioral symptoms include severe calorie restriction, excessive exercising, obsessive weighing, and avoidance of “fattening” foods. Some individuals engage in compensatory behaviors like vomiting, using laxatives, or taking diet pills.
- Emotional symptoms include a distorted body image, intense fear of weight gain, irritability, depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal. People with anorexia often deny the severity of their condition, making early intervention challenging.
At The Summit Wellness Group, our team is trained to recognize these signs early, using comprehensive evaluations to confirm diagnosis and develop individualized care plans. We work closely with clients and their loved ones to address denial and foster motivation for recovery.
Long-term Health Consequences of Anorexia
Untreated anorexia nervosa can lead to severe and potentially irreversible health complications. It has the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder, with deaths resulting from physical complications or suicide.
Long-term physical effects include:
- Cardiovascular Issues: Bradycardia, hypotension, irregular heartbeat, heart valve disease, and heart failure.
- Bone and Muscle Problems: Osteoporosis, osteopenia, stress fractures, and muscle wasting.
- Gastrointestinal Complications: Constipation, bloating, and, in severe cases, gastric rupture.
- Neurological Effects: Cognitive impairment, memory difficulties, and seizures.
- Endocrine Disorders: Amenorrhea, infertility, and thyroid dysfunction.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Low potassium, sodium, or calcium levels, which can be fatal.
Psychologically, anorexia can perpetuate depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, straining relationships and reducing quality of life.
The Summit Wellness Group prioritizes early intervention to prevent these long-term consequences, combining medical stabilization with psychological support to restore health and well-being.
Treating Anorexia Nervosa Safely
Effective treatment for anorexia nervosa does require a multidisciplinary approach, meaning we utilize various services to address physical, psychological, and social aspects of the disorder at the same time. Key components include:
- Nutritional Rehabilitation: Supervised meal plans and dietary counseling to restore a healthy weight and address malnutrition.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the gold standard, helping clients challenge distorted thoughts about food and body image. Family-based therapy (FBT) is highly effective for adolescents, involving family members in the recovery process. Other therapies, like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Maudsley Anorexia Treatment for Adults (MANTRA), may also be used.
- Medical Management: Regularly monitor vital signs, electrolytes, and organ function. Medication, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, may be prescribed for co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, though they are not primary treatments for anorexia.
- Support Groups: Peer support, like our group therapy sessions, can enhance recovery by reducing isolation.
At The Summit Wellness Group, we integrate these behavioral health treatments into our PHP and IOP services, ensuring a comprehensive and individualized approach to care.
Our Partial Hospitalization Program
Our PHP is a structured, intensive day treatment program designed for clients requiring significant support but not 24-hour inpatient care. Operating five days a week for 6 hours a day, our PHP provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals with anorexia nervosa to focus on recovery while maintaining some independence.
Our PHP includes access to outpatient services such as:
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one therapy sessions with a licensed therapist to address underlying psychological issues and develop coping strategies.
- Group Therapy: Facilitated groups to build peer support, improve interpersonal skills, and share experiences.
- Nutritional Counseling: Registered dietitians create personalized meal plans and provide meal support to normalize eating patterns.
- Medical Monitoring: Regular check-ins with our care team to ensure physical stability and address complications.
- Holistic Therapies: Yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy to promote emotional regulation and self-expression.
Our eating disorder recovery PHP emphasizes gradual weight restoration, psychological healing, and skill-building to prepare clients for a successful transition to less intensive care. By offering a structured yet flexible program, we empower clients to reclaim their health while staying connected to their communities.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program for Anorexia
Our IOP is ideal for men and women who have completed PHP or residential treatment and are ready for a step-down level of care through outpatient treatment. Typically offered 3-5 days a week for several hours per session, our IOP allows clients to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while continuing their recovery.
Key features of our IOP include treatment options such as:
- Continued Therapy: Ongoing individual and group therapy to reinforce coping skills and prevent relapse.
- Nutritional Support: Regular consultations with dietitians to sustain healthy eating habits.
- Life Skills Training: Workshops on stress management, body image, and self-esteem to support long-term recovery.
- Family Involvement: Family therapy sessions to strengthen support systems and address relational dynamics.
The IOP at The Summit Wellness Group is designed to bridge the gap between intensive treatment and independent living, ensuring clients have the tools and support needed to maintain progress.
How We Differ From Other Mental Health Programs
The Summit Wellness Group stands out from other mental health and eating disorder programs due to our commitment to personalized, holistic, innovative care. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We recognize that no two clients are alike. Our team conducts comprehensive assessments to create tailored plans that address each client’s unique needs, preferences, and goals.
- Holistic Approach: In addition to traditional therapy, we incorporate mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, and nutritional education to promote healing in mind, body, and spirit.
- Experienced Multidisciplinary Team: Our staff includes licensed therapists, registered dietitians, psychiatrists, and medical professionals with specialized training in eating disorders, ensuring comprehensive care.
- Small Group Sizes: We maintain low client-to-staff ratios to provide personalized attention and foster a supportive community.
- Evidence-Based and Innovative Therapies: We combine proven treatments like CBT and FBT with emerging approaches, such as virtual therapy and trauma-informed care, to maximize outcomes.
- Focus on Long-Term Recovery: Our programs emphasize relapse prevention, life skills, ongoing support, and aftercare planning to ensure sustained success.
- Culturally Inclusive Care: We prioritize diversity and inclusion, offering culturally sensitive treatment to clients from all backgrounds.
- Flexible Programming: Our PHP and IOP programs are designed to accommodate clients’ schedules, with virtual options available to enhance accessibility.
- Co-Occurring Conditions: We look for co-occurring disorders to ensure we address all conditions simultaneously, thus increasing the effectiveness of mental health treatment.
Unlike generic mental health programs, The Summit Wellness Group specializes in eating disorders, with a deep understanding of anorexia nervosa’s complexities. Our compassionate, client-centered approach ensures that individuals feel seen, heard, and supported throughout their recovery journey.
Start Your Journey Today
Anorexia nervosa is a devastating eating disorder with profound physical and psychological consequences, but recovery is possible with the right treatment. The Summit Wellness Group is committed to helping individuals overcome anorexia through our comprehensive PHP and IOP programs, which combine evidence-based therapies, nutritional support, and holistic care.
By addressing the root causes of anorexia and empowering clients with the skills for lasting recovery, we stand out as a leading in eating disorder treatment.
If you or a loved one is struggling with anorexia nervosa, The Summit Wellness Group is here to provide the support and expertise needed to reclaim a healthy, fulfilling life. Contact us today to learn more.