Anorexia Nervosa

A healthcare provider can diagnose anorexia nervosa based on the criteria for it listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The three criteria include:

• Restriction of calorie consumption that leads to weight loss or a failure to gain weight. This results in a significantly low body weight based on your age, sex, height and stage of growth.
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming “fat.”
• Having a distorted view of yourself and the seriousness of the state of your health.

The DSM-5 criteria classify the severity of anorexia according to body mass index (BMI). People who meet the criteria for anorexia but don’t have underweight despite significant weight loss have atypical anorexia.

If you have signs and symptoms of anorexia, a provider will do a complete medical history and physical exam. The provider will likely ask questions about your:

• Dietary history.
• Exercise history.
• Psychological history.
• Body image.
• Purging frequency and elimination habits (use of diet pills, laxatives and diuretics).
• Family history of eating disorders.

A person with anorexia or any eating disorder will have the best recovery outcome if they receive an early diagnosis. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms of anorexia, be sure to talk to a provider as soon as possible.

Tests that assess anorexia nervosa

Laboratory tests alone can’t diagnose anorexia. But your healthcare provider may use various tests to rule out any medical conditions that could cause weight loss. Tests can also evaluate the physical effects of anorexia.

These tests may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to assess overall health.
• Electrolyte panel to check for dehydration and your blood’s acid-base balance.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to check heart health.
• Urinalysis to check for a wide range of conditions.
• Bone density test to check for weak bones (osteoporosis).
• Kidney function tests.
• Liver function tests.
• Thyroid blood tests.