Anorexia is often very difficult to treat. The person may resist medical treatment as being unnecessary or intensely fear gaining weight. Some people who have lost a lot of weight may not be able to participate in their treatment because they are too weak. They may be too confused to follow directions.

People who have anorexia usually need to continue treatment for months to years, and they usually need frequent visits to a health professional for physical exams and weight checks. In addition, they need to learn about their condition, how to avoid recurrence of their symptoms, and ways to handle stress.

Anorexia is a lifelong illness. About 40% will recover, 30% will improve, and 30% will have problems with anorexia throughout their lives. People with anorexia who are young and start treatment early in their illness usually do well.

Around half of those with anorexia will go on to develop binge-purge behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa. People who have other mental health conditions along with anorexia, such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder, usually need longer treatment than people who only have anorexia.

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Reviewed: 03/2006