What it means
A serious mental illness, most common in teenage girls and young women but seen in all groups. People eat far less than they need, may exercise heavily or purge, and see themselves as fat even when very underweight. It has one of the highest death rates of any mental illness, from heart rhythm problems, electrolyte imbalance, starvation and suicide. "Anorexia" alone simply means loss of appetite.
For the nurse
Watch weight (often weighed in a gown, after voiding, at the same time each day), vital signs, heart rhythm and electrolytes. When feeding begins again, watch for refeeding syndrome: dangerous drops in phosphate, potassium and magnesium. Supervise meals and the time after them, and focus on feelings rather than food rules.
At a glance
| Spanish | anorexia nerviosa |
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Related terms
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
electrolyte
A mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.
cognitive behavioral therapy
A talk therapy that helps a person notice unhelpful thoughts and change the thoughts and actions that keep a problem going.