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Learn more about anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by persistent restriction of food intake, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted perception of body weight or shape. Recognised in the DSM-5, it is associated with significantly low body weight and often with rituals around food, eating, and exercise that become increasingly difficult to interrupt. Anorexia has one of the highest mortality rates of any mental health condition, making early intervention particularly important. It is not a choice or a phase; it is a complex psychological condition that responds to specialist treatment.
Anorexia can develop gradually, and early signs are often rationalised or hidden. The condition affects both physical health and psychological functioning.
Common signs
- Significant restriction of food intake, calorie counting, or avoidance of entire food groups
- Intense fear of gaining weight, even at a low body weight
- A distorted perception of body size or shape, feeling larger than others see you
- Preoccupation with food, weight, and eating that occupies much of daily thinking
- Excessive or compulsive exercise, particularly after eating
- Wearing loose clothing to conceal weight or body shape
Physical and behavioural signs
- Feeling cold constantly, hair thinning, or loss of menstrual periods
- Dizziness, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating
- Social withdrawal, particularly around mealtimes
- Denial that low weight is a problem
Anorexia is typically treated through a combination of psychological therapy and medical monitoring. The most effective approach depends on age, severity, and how long the condition has been present.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) CBT adapted for eating disorders addresses the beliefs, rules, and thought patterns that maintain restriction, working alongside nutritional rehabilitation.
- Family therapy Family therapy, including the Maudsley approach, involves parents or carers directly in supporting recovery and is particularly effective for younger people with anorexia.
- DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) DBT helps when strong emotions, particularly shame or anxiety, drive restrictive behaviour, building skills in distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
- Psychodynamic therapy Psychodynamic approaches explore the deeper emotional and relational roots of the condition, including identity, control, and earlier experiences that may be sustaining it.
It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners across Europe and globally, in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions worldwide. It's Complicated is free to use, and you pay your chosen therapist directly at rates they set.
Finding a therapist with genuine experience in anorexia, rather than general eating difficulties, takes more than a standard search. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
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