Psychological effects of starvation A crisis associated with anorexia nervosa can cause great distress among family, friends, and professionals. The family may believe the adolescent s abnormal eating behaviors are the sole problem, failing to understand the underlying multifaceted disturbance. They may seek treatment that does not require them to be involved in psycho-therapy. As she becomes truly cachectic, specific characteristics of starvation are superimposed on the already disturbed psychological state of an adolescent with anorexia nervosa. Unhealthful behaviors, distorted perceptions, and weight phobia become more pronounced.
Cognitive processes center on food.
Behavior includes toying with food and hoarding it, especially during re-nourishment. Coherent, creative thinking is impaired. Mental function is characterized by apathy, dullness, exhaustion, and depression. Interest in sex wanes. Most adolescents with anorexia nervosa resist what they see as intrusions by professionals or others seeking to intervene.