What Is Atypical Anorexia?
Atypical anorexia is a type of eating disorder that shares many of the same characteristics as anorexia nervosa. The key difference is that those with atypical anorexia do not have a low body weight.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines atypical anorexia as meeting all of the criteria for anorexia nervosa except for the criterion of low body weight. This means that individuals with atypical anorexia may exhibit symptoms such as a fear of gaining weight, body dysmorphia, and restrictive eating behaviours. However, they maintain a body weight that is within or above the normal range.
Is Atypical Anorexia Less Serious Than Anorexia?
Atypical anorexia can have serious physical and psychological consequences, just like any other eating disorder.
It is important to remember that eating disorders are mental illnesses, not weight disorders. Atypical anorexia can affect a person’s entire life, just as anorexia nervosa does. You are no less worthy of support if you have been diagnosed with atypical anorexia.
Almost all people who suffer from anorexia will experience atypical anorexia at some point, as the illness natural shifts. Recovery is about finding peace with food and body image, rather than solely restoring a healthy weight.
Why The Term ‘Atypical’ Can Be Unhelpful
Some people feel that the term downplays the seriousness of the illness and the potential health consequences that can arise. This can leave sufferers feeling less worthy of support, unless they reach a very low weight.
The feeling that ‘I am not sick enough’ is something that many people with anorexia feel, due to the nature of the illness. So adding the term ‘atypical’ can understandably contribute to this feeling.
We at Natural Food Therapy do not believe that any form of anorexia is more or less worthy of support. All types of eating disorders take so much from the sufferer and can feel like a daily battle. No one chooses to develop an eating disorder, and it can happen to anyone.
Atypical Anorexia Treatment
Treatment is much the same as for all types of anorexia and typically involves a combination of medical monitoring, nutritional support, and psychological therapy.
The goal is to help the sufferer to find a healthy relationship with food, make peace with their body, and support their emotional and physical health.
Treatment for atypical anorexia is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and may involve a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including a physician, registered dietitian, and mental health provider.
Our Approach
At Natural Food Therapy, our eating disorder specialists are trained in multiple disciplines, from nutritional therapy to counselling to coaching. We focus on supporting the person, rather than the eating disorder.
Instead of working with multiple practitioners, we believe in supporting you with one multidisciplinary specialist. Someone who can work closely with you and support you every step of the way.
We have successfully helped hundreds of clients find true recovery from eating disorders, and recovery is possible for you too. Click here to see success stories from past clients, or get in touch today.
Discover the path to breaking free from anorexia with our comprehensive anorexia guide.
