Symptoms
There are many symptoms of anorexia nervosa. Symptoms include...
- very underweight
- a phobia of gaining weight
- very focused on body weight and shape
- amenorrea - three menstrual cycles missed
- think they are overweight or fat, although they are really actually very thin
- obsessed about weight and dieting
- blotchy/yellow skin
- lanugo - fine hair covering face and body
- bad memory and poor judgement
- confused thinking
- dry mouth
- depression
- very sensitive the colder temperatures
- overexercise
- vomiting
- use of laxatives or diuretics to avoid gaining weight
- avoiding friends and family, secretive
- cheeks could become swollen (vomiting)
- loss of hair
- rapid mood swings
- obsessed with calories and fat content of food
- may cook big, elaborate dishes for others; not eat any themselves
- alcoholism
- drug addictions
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- bad breath (another result of vomiting)
- swollen joints
- refusal to eat around other people; cutting food into small pieces