What Is Atypical Anorexia?
What is atypical anorexia? Atypical anorexia, also known as atypical anorexia nervosa, is a type of eating disorder where individuals exhibit symptoms and behaviors associated with anorexia nervosa but do not meet the criteria for a low body weight. This means that despite maintaining a normal or above-normal weight, they still have an intense fear of gaining weight and engage in restrictive eating patterns.
Sanford Behavioral Health understands the serious nature of atypical anorexia and offers specialized treatment programs to address all aspects of this eating disorder. Our eating disorder treatment in Michigan focuses on providing individualized care and support to help patients overcome their struggles with atypical anorexia. Call us at 616.202.3326 to learn more about what atypical anorexia is and how to start treatment with us.
What Is Atypical Anorexia?
If you are wondering, “What is atypical anorexia, and how does it differ from anorexia nervosa?” You’re not alone. Atypical anorexia is a subtype of anorexia nervosa, but it has its specific criteria and characteristics.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), atypical anorexia is diagnosed when a person meets all criteria for anorexia nervosa except for low body weight. This means they may exhibit behaviors such as restricting food intake, fear of weight gain, and distorted body image, but their weight remains within the normal or above-normal range.
Atypical anorexia can be just as severe and debilitating as anorexia nervosa, and it is essential to seek professional help for treatment. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we understand that each person’s experience with atypical anorexia is unique, and our treatment programs address the specific needs of our patients.
Understanding and Recognizing the Symptoms of Atypical Anorexia
Understanding and recognizing the symptoms of atypical anorexia is paramount to facilitating early intervention and treatment. This condition often goes undetected due to the absence of significant weight loss. However, other warning signs demand attention:
- Persistent restriction of energy intake leads to significantly low body energy
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, despite average or higher body weight
- Disturbance in the way one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body energy
Sanford Behavioral Health is equipped to offer personalized treatment plans for these symptoms. Early detection is crucial, so please get in touch with us at 616.202.3326 if you notice any of these signs.
Benefits of Seeking Support and Treatment
The early pursuit of support and treatment for atypical anorexia is a vital step toward recovery, with Sanford Behavioral Health providing the necessary expertise and resources to foster healing and resilience. The benefits of engaging with our treatment programs extend beyond symptom management, offering a comprehensive pathway toward a healthier life:
- Personalized care – Tailored treatment plans that account for individual needs and circumstances.
- Multidisciplinary approach – A combination of nutritional guidance, psychological support, and medical monitoring by a team of experts.
- Support groups – Opportunities to connect with others with similar experiences, fostering a support community.
- Skill building – Development of healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with stressors and triggers.
- Prevention of complications – Reducing the risk of long-term health issues associated with eating disorders.
- Improved quality of life – Enhanced overall well-being and a return to daily activities without the burden of an eating disorder.
Sanford Behavioral Health is committed to providing compassionate care that empowers our patients. Patients in our eating disorder treatment can expect the following:
- Trauma-informed care
- A health at every size/health in everybody approach
- Psychiatrist-led medical team
- On-staff dietitians
- Meal support and clinical kitchen
- Cooking and community excursions
- Exposure therapy
- Recreation therapy
- Mindfulness, yoga, movement, and art therapy
- Authentic staff, community, and connection
- A full continuum of care for eating disorders, co-occurring conditions, addiction, OCD, self-harm, depression, and anxiety
Contact Sanford Behavioral Health today to start your journey toward recovery and well-being. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to provide the support and treatment you need for a healthier and happier life.
Call Sanford Behavioral Health to Start Your Recovery with Our Eating Disorders Treatment
Atypical anorexia is a complex, multifaceted issue that requires compassion, understanding, and an informed approach to treatment. For those affected, it’s a journey that demands courage and patience. Reaching out for help and accepting it can be the most significant step to recovery.
Sanford Behavioral Health offers comprehensive eating disorders treatment plans that focus on individualized care to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of atypical anorexia. Our team of professionals is dedicated to helping you or your loved one overcome this challenging condition and live a healthy, fulfilling life. Call us at 616.202.3326 or contact us online to start treatment today.
