Anorexia Nervosa is a psychiatric condition and it is classified as a type of eating disorder. It is related to conditions of extremely low body weight, body image and self-induced starvation, dieting and weight loss.
The body becomes depleted in essential nutrients for normal body metabolism, organ function and many severe complications follow. In extreme cases, organs can become dysfunctional, may experience neurological effects and psychological distress such as depression. A very common physiological affect especially on females is osteoporosis, due to a lack of nutrients.
Eating disorders tend to have a higher prevalence amongst young females; however young boys cannot be neglected either. Anorexia nervosa can be assessed by The Eating Disorder Inventory, which examines the psychology and behaviour to determine whether an eating disorder can be diagnosed.
To help early detection of eating disorders, close friends and family observation are also very important as the patient are typically in denial of eating disorder.
There are many approaches in treating those who suffer from anorexia nervosa. Psychological therapy that involves the family for support as well as drug medications are common treatments.
Reference:
Dr. David M. Garner, Marion P. Olmstead, Janet Polivy (2006) Development and validation of a multidimensional eating disorder inventory for anorexia nervosa and bulimia. International Journal of Eating Disorders. 2(2), 15-34.