Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
Signs and Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder characterized by restriction of energy intake relative to the body’s needs, leading to significantly low body weight. Individuals with AN experience an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when underweight, and often engage in persistent behaviors that interfere with weight gain. These behaviors may include severe food restriction, rigid food rules, excessive exercise, or avoidance of eating in social situations. AN presents in two subtypes: the restricting type, which involves weight loss primarily through dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise, and the binge-eating/purging type, which includes episodes of binge eating and/or purging behaviors such as vomiting or misuse of laxatives.
A core feature of AN is a disturbance in how individuals perceive their body weight and shape. People may see themselves as overweight despite being underweight, or place undue importance on weight and shape in evaluating self-worth. AN can also affect physical health, leading to fatigue, dizziness, cold intolerance, hormonal changes, and serious medical complications. Emotionally, individuals may experience anxiety, perfectionism, irritability, or a strong need for control. Because of the physical and psychological risks associated with AN, early and comprehensive treatment is essential.
Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are evidence-based treatments that have demonstrated effectiveness in helping individuals with Anorexia Nervosa reduce symptoms and restore weight. CBT for AN focuses on addressing distorted beliefs about food, weight, and body image, while also supporting the normalization of eating patterns and weight restoration. Therapy helps individuals challenge rigid rules around food and develop healthier, more flexible ways of thinking and behaving.
DBT is particularly helpful for individuals with AN who struggle with intense emotions, distress tolerance, or co-occurring behaviors such as bingeing, purging, or self-harm. DBT teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness, helping individuals cope with emotional distress without relying on eating disorder behaviors. Treatment for AN is often multidisciplinary and may include medical monitoring and nutritional support. With consistent, specialized care, many individuals experience meaningful recovery and improved physical and emotional well-being.
Fees
Individual Sessions
(45-minutes)
/session
Parent Training Sessions
(45-minutes)
/session
Couples
(45-minutes)
/session
Adults DBT Groups Sessions
(2-hours)
/session for six months to 1-year
Multi-Family Skills Group
(2-hours)
/session for 24-weeks
Insurance
We do not accept insurance (most specialists do not), but many of our clients are able to get partial reimbursement from their insurance companies through their out-of-network benefits. We are happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork to submit an out-of-network claim to your insurance company.
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between restricting type and binge-eating/purging type anorexia nervosa?
The restricting type involves weight loss through dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise, while the binge-eating/purging type includes episodes of binge eating and/or purging behaviors.
Is anorexia nervosa only about wanting to be thin?
No. AN is a complex mental health condition involving fear, control, distorted body image, and emotional regulation difficulties—not simply a desire to be thin.
Can people with anorexia nervosa recover?
Yes. With evidence-based treatment and appropriate medical support, many individuals achieve weight restoration and significant symptom reduction.
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Begin Your Healing Journey
At Mountainside Behavioral Health, we are committed to fostering a supportive and professional environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their path to healing.