She will usually begin to lose contact with her friends. She will regress and appear to lose confidence. She may become less assertive, less argumentative and more dependant. Those people who intentionally starve themselves suffer from an eating disorder called anorexia nervosa. Despite being underweight, the patient intensely fears becoming fat.
Some disorders display similar or sometimes even the same symptom.
The clinician, therefore, in his diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the following disorders which one needs to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis. The self esteem of individuals with eating disorders is directly related to their body shape, weight, and management of food. Eating disorders often lead to diminished concentration and attention leaving one less able to focus on academic course work. Preoccupation with food and body image result in feelings of anxiety which may also interfere with daily functioning. In severe cases medical problems may arise such as hypotension, dental enamel erosion, malnutrition, impaired renal functioning, electrolyte imbalance, and cardiovascular problems which require medical attention and possible hospitalization.