How to take care of people with anorexia nervosa?

Question

Hello doctor,

My friend is 30 years old. She is eating less every day. She looks lean and weak. Whenever she watches herself in the mirror, she feels like she has fat and would not eat properly for a week or sometimes for months. Does her condition seem to be anorexia nervosa? If it is so, how can I tell her to manage this disorder? How do you treat it at this stage? How do you take care of her in this condition?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

She may have anorexia nervosa disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for it; I suggest she should try to follow the below guidelines to deal with it. It will help her.

Exercise daily for 30 to 45 minutes, like going for a walk. It will increase her appetite.
Meditation for 20 minutes daily.
Limit the use of mobile and social media.
She should eat as much food as she can. She can take small quantities of food more frequently.
Eat a high-protein, high-carbohydrate diet.
She must drink enough water.
She should spend quality time with friends and family every day.
She should get seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
She must avoid tobacco, alcohol, or any substance abuse.

If symptoms persist, I suggest that you take her to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a detailed evaluation and further management needs to start taking medication.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.