People with anorexia may believe that they would be happier and more successful if they were thin. Anorexics tend to be perfectionists. They want everything in their lives to be perfect. People suffering from this illness are typically good students and are involved in many school and community activities. They tend to blame themselves if things in their life are less than perfect.
Many anorexics suffer from errors in thinking or perceptions.
They incorrectly believe they need to lose weight to find happiness. Body image distortions are common place among anorexics. Others have had difficulties in relationships and manifest these problems through their eating habits. Anorexia can also be the delayed result of unresolved conflicts or painful experiences from childhood. There are many side effects of anorexia nervosa.