What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by restrictive eating, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of body shape or body weight. The condition commonly develops during adolescence or early adulthood but can occur at any age. Eating disorders can significantly affect both physical and mental health, making early assessment and treatment important.

At Eastern Suburbs Psychiatry, our psychiatrists provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for Anorexia Nervosa and other eating disorders from our Darlinghurst clinic in Sydney. We follow evidence-based clinical guidelines, including those from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).

Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa

Common symptoms may include:

• Restricting food intake or skipping meals
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Distorted body image
• Excessive exercise
• Preoccupation with calories, food, or body shape
• Fatigue or low energy
• Dizziness or fainting
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anxiety, irritability, or low mood
• Social withdrawal or avoidance of eating with others

Eating disorders can affect both mental and physical health, and early assessment is important.

Anorexia Nervosa Assessment and Diagnosis

There is no single test to diagnose Anorexia Nervosa. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, including a detailed medical history, discussion of eating behaviours, body image concerns and assessment of psychological symptoms. Our psychiatrists may also consider other conditions that can present with similar symptoms, such as anxiety or mood disorders.

Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa

Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa usually involves a combination of psychological therapy and medical care. Treatment recommendations depend on symptoms severity, physical health, and individual circumstances.

Treatments may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Supportive psychiatric care
• Coordination with GPs, psycholgists, dietitians or other healthcare professionals where appropriate

Medication may sometimes be prescribed to treat associated conditions such as anxiety or depression, although medication alone is not considered a primary treatment for Anorexia Nervosa.

Regular follow-up appointments allow our psychiatrists to monitor progress and ensure treatment remains effective.

Our psychiatrists provide assessment and treatment for anorexia nervosa from across Sydney, including the Eastern Suburbs, Sydney CBD and surrounding areas, with patients attending from suburbs such as Darlinghurst, Bondi, Woollahra and Zetland.

For an appointment, please call our practice on (02) 8359 1930 or complete the inquiry form here.