ABSTRACT
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. It most commonly develops between the ages of 15 and 19 years and is characterised by a persistent restriction of food intake, resulting in weight loss, with a disturbance in body image. This can have significant effects on the body, resulting in life-threatening consequences. This eating disorder may develop due to a combination of factors, which include biological (e.g. genetics and puberty), psychological (e.g. perfectionism and body image dissatisfaction), and sociocultural (e.g. bullying and hobbies), and will often remain undetected for a prolonged period due to its secretive nature and people's hesitancy to seek treatment. This chapter discusses the underlying causes of the disorder, how it may present and the signs to look out for, what to expect at an initial consultation with a doctor, potential complications which may develop, and finally a summary of the current treatment guidance.
