Anorexia Nervosa: Diagnosis and Treatment

How do doctors diagnose anorexia nervosa (AN)?

Doctors can diagnose AN with the following tests:

• Physical exam
• Asking questions about your child's eating habits and behaviors
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests of the bones
• Interview with a mental health provider about eating behaviors and body image and weight concerns

How do doctors treat anorexia nervosa (AN)?

Treatment focuses on helping your child reach a healthy weight and addressing psychological concerns of AN. The care team will talk with you about creating a treatment plan for your child's medical and mental health needs.

Common treatments supported by research for AN include:

• For children and teens, family-based therapy (FBT) to learn ways on how your family can support your child during AN treatment
• For young adults, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage your child's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors around AN and body image
• Meetings with your child's primary care provider or a dietitian
• For some people, a higher level of care such as hospitalization or residential care is needed to support a person in gaining weight and staying medically stable.

AN can be challenging to treat. The care team can help you and your child create a plan that raises the chances of recovery.