If forced to eat, a person may vomit after the meal. Loss of food intake leads to a loss of weight, and in women menstruation ceases. The anorexic body, which is starved for calories, starts feeding on its own muscle protein, leading to irregularities in heart rhythm or even to congestive heart failure. The person, especially if adolescent, often denies anything is wrong and continues to be cheerful and active. He or she may be deceptive about the quantity of food eaten.
Treatment begins with measures to improve eating habits and to increase the patient's weight.
This is followed by therapy to overcome the emotional basis of the disorder. In severe cases, hospitalization may be needed to save the person's life. Treatment typically includes individual, group, and family therapy and is usually long-term. Antidepressants may also be helpful.