They see themselves as fat even though they are considerably under normal weight. Other psychological symptoms may include obsessive-compulsive behavior, hysteria, or depression . Treatment options Anorexia is often difficult to treat because the patient usually resists admitting that anything is wrong. Male anorectics tend to be even more resistant than females. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in both females and males because the longer the disorder continues, the more difficult treatment becomes.
Hospitalization usually offers the best hope of successful treatment.
Doctors and dieticians establish a healthy eating regime to restore lost weight, and the anorectic takes part in individual and group therapy to begin working on the underlying personal and family problems contributing to the disorder. Once patients show clear signs of progress in dealing with their eating and emotional problems, they are usually allowed to go home. But follow-up psychiatric counselling and physical checkups continue on a regular basis for a considerable period. Stages and progress Anorexia usually begins with a normal diet to lose weight. But at some point along the way, some girls and young women become obsessive about being thin.