Understanding Anorexia

An accessible and informative guide to understanding anorexia nervosa, written specifically for clients.

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Guide (PDF)

A psychoeducational guide. Typically containing elements of skills development.

Overview

Our ‘Understanding…’ series is a collection of psychoeducation guides for common mental health conditions. Friendly and explanatory, they are comprehensive sources of information for your clients. Concepts are explained in an easily digestible way, with plenty of case examples and accessible diagrams. Understanding anorexia nervosa (AN) is designed to help clients with AN understand more about their condition.

Why Use This Resource?

This guide aims to help clients learn more about anorexia nervosa (AN). It explains what AN is, what the common symptoms are, and effective ways to address it, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

  • Identify symptoms of AN and the factors that contribute to it.
  • Understand what keeps AN going.
  • Explore effective treatments for AN.
  • Gain insights into how people experience AN and how they overcome it.

Key Benefits

Comprehensive

Explores what anorexia nervosa (AN) is and what maintains it.

Relatable

Contains detailed examples and relatable case studies.

Supportive

Written in a friendly and accessible manner.

Hopeful

Outlines effective treatment options.

Who is this for?

Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

Clients working to understand the thoughts, behaviors, and emotional factors that maintain their eating disorder and support recovery.

Integrating it into your practice

01

Assess

Identify clients who may be experiencing anorexia nervosa (AN).

02

Share

Provide the guide to clients who could benefit from it.

03

Educate

Use the content to inform clients about AN and help normalize their experiences.

04

Reflect

Discuss the client's personal experience with AN.

05

Intervene

Plan treatment with the client or direct them to other sources of help and support.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

It is common for people to feel conscious of their eating, but when restrictive dieting and weight loss become extreme, it may be a sign of anorexia nervosa (AN).

AN can have serious impacts on both physical and mental health. Furthermore, it is estimated that between 1 and 4 out of every 100 people will experience anorexia nervosa at some point in their lives.

The good news is that effective treatments are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What's inside

  • Introduction to anorexia nervosa (AN).
  • Guidance for introducing and using the resource with clients.
  • Key references for learning more about AN.
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FAQs

AN is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating, weight loss, and fear of weight gain.
Important maintenance factors often include the effects of starvation, extreme weight control behaviors, and overvalued beliefs about shape, weight, eating, and their control.
CBT is an effective therapy that focuses on addressing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that maintain AN, helping individuals restore weight and feel better.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By using this resource in their clinical practice, therapists can:

  • Identify individuals who may be experiencing anorexia nervosa (AN).
  • Help clients better understand their difficulties and what maintains them.
  • Explore treatment options.
  • Encourage hope and optimism about change.

References And Further Reading

  • Keski-Rahkonen, A., & Mustelin, L. (2016). Epidemiology of eating disorders in Europe: prevalence, incidence, comorbidity, course, consequences, and risk factors. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 29, 340-345.
  • Jacobi, C., Hayward, C., de Zwaan, M., Kraemer, H. C., & Agras, W. S. (2004). Coming to terms with risk factors for eating disorders: application of risk terminology and suggestions for a general taxonomy. Psychological Bulletin, 130, 19-65.
  • Schmidt, U., & Treasure, J. (2006). Anorexia nervosa: Valued and visible. A cognitive‐interpersonal maintenance model and its implications for research and practice. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45, 343-366.
  • Zipfel, S., Giel, K. E., Bulik, C. M., Hay, P., & Schmidt, U. (2015). Anorexia nervosa: aetiology, assessment, and treatment. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2, 1099-1111.
  • Galsworthy-Francis, L., & Allan, S. (2014). Cognitive behavioural therapy for anorexia nervosa: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 34, 54-72.
  • Keys, A., Brožek, J., Henschel, A., Mickelsen, O., & Taylor, H. L. (1950). The Biology of Human starvation. (Two Volumes). University of Minnesota Press.
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE: 2017). Eating disorders: Recognitions and treatment. Retrieved from: NICE guidance (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69).
  • Fairburn, C. G., Cooper, Z., & Shafran, R. (2003). Cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders: A “transdiagnostic” theory and treatment. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 41, 509-528.
  • Fairburn, C. G. (2008). Cognitive behavior therapy and eating disorders. Guilford Press.
  • Waller, G., Cordery, H., Corstorphine, E., Hinrichsen, H., Lawson, R., Mountford, V., & Russell, K. (2007). Cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders: A comprehensive treatment guide. Cambridge University Press.

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