For many, many years, eating disorders were whispered about. Only a few people knew about them, and even fewer understood them. Fortunately, that has changed in many important ways. Disordered eating is discussed more openly and is often the topic of pop culture content. People know what to look for. Well, most of the time, they know what to look for.
You see, there is a type of eating disorder that doesn’t exactly match the description. It lines up with many of the most common symptoms. But there is one big difference. People with Atypical Anorexia Nervosa are not underweight.
What is Atypical Anorexia?
The diagnostic criteria for typical anorexia nervosa include the following:
– Dreading the gaining of any weight
– Consuming an inadequate number of daily calories
– Equating self-worth with body size and shape
Someone with atypical anorexia shares all of the above. And like people with typical anorexia, they have lost weight. However, again, they do not become underweight. For this reason, they do not provoke the concern of people around them and can get misdiagnosed by clinicians. Meanwhile, they need as much help as anyone with typical anorexia.
Atypical Anorexia is Not the Exception
Contrary to popular belief, most people with eating disorders are not underweight. This can exacerbate the condition because:
– When someone who is not underweight loses weight, they will likely be praised by the people in their life. This reinforces the message that they are on the right path.
– Someone can have atypical anorexia and be overweight or obese. This “disguises” the emotional issues at play and, once again, makes it socially acceptable to count calories.
Meanwhile, at least 40 percent of those with atypical anorexia require hospitalization for their treatment. The psychological distress in such cases surpasses that of typical anorexia nervosa.
Atypical Anorexia Symptoms
(Reminder: Many symptoms are present in both typical and atypical anorexia nervosa.)
Physical Symptoms
Even without being underweight, someone with atypical anorexia will show any or all of the following physical signs of an eating disorder:
– Compromised immune system
– Gastrointestinal issues, constipation, and abdominal pain
– Low energy, feeling listless
– Dry skin
– Yellowing skin
– Brittle hair and nails
– Missing periods
– Dizziness
– Always feeling cold
– Low blood pressure
– Swollen joints
– Noticeable weight loss with appearing underweight
Behavioral/Emotional Symptoms
– Irritability, edginess, and mood swings
– Not wanting to be seen while eating
– Foggy thinking and lack of focus
– Palpable dread at the thought of being “fat”
– Low self-esteem
– Distorted body image
– Feeling guilt and shame
– Intensely focused on anything related to food, eating, nutrition, dieting, etc.
Does Atypical Anorexia Have Long-Term Effects?
This cannot be repeated often enough. Just because the person does not present as underweight does not mean they are not in danger. The long-term medical issues related to both typical and atypical anorexia nervosa may include severe consequences like:
– Cardiovascular problems—particularly when the person with atypical anorexia is obese
– Bone loss
– Muscle loss
– Damage to vital organs
– Inability to carry out day-to-day functions and responsibilities
– Anxiety
– Substance abuse
– Self-harm and thoughts of suicide
If left untreated, atypical anorexia can lead to death.
Treatments Are Available
The heightened awareness of eating disorders coincides with the development of many treatment options. Approaches designed for typical anorexia are frequently just as effective for atypical anorexia. Of course, the intervention will vary from case to case.
It is critical that you get treated for any related medical conditions while you undergo psychological treatment for the eating disorder via inpatient or outpatient care.
If you need to speak with someone about disordered eating, we invite you to contact our office today for a free and fully confidential consultation with one of our therapists. You can heal, and you can thrive again.
