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Eating disorders

Anorexia nervosa

Intake restriction leading to significantly low weight, with intense fear of gaining weight and an altered perception of one's own body. It's a serious disorder with effective treatment.

Common signs

Severe food restrictionIntense fear of gaining weightDistorted body image

Tips

For you

  1. Seek specialist help as soon as possible
  2. Involve the family in treatment
  3. Don't comment on weight or appearance

For family and friends

  1. Don't comment on weight, body or diets
  2. Be there without policing or arguing at the table

When to ask for help

  1. If there is dizziness, fainting or palpitations: emergency services
  2. If weight loss is rapid

Are you having a really hard time? If you're thinking of harming yourself, call 024 (free, 24 hours) or 112.

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I'm very afraid of gaining weight
2. I eat much less than I need
3. I see myself as heavier than others say I am
4. I count calories or avoid many foods
5. I exercise to make up for what I eat
6. My weight strongly affects how I value myself
7. I have lost a lot of weight
8. I feel uncomfortable eating in front of others
Also take the full eating disorders test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFull article: Anorexia, bulimia and binge eatingFree resource from Clínica VivaldiADANER: Spanish association for anorexia and bulimia careFree external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

PicaEating disordersRumination disorderEating disordersAvoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID)Eating disordersBulimia nervosaEating disorders

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.