Anorexia Nervosa

There is no single test that can diagnose anorexia. But this illness has a visible effect on your health and eating habits.

If your doctor thinks that you may have an eating disorder, he or she will check you for signs of malnutrition or starvation. Your doctor may also ask questions about your mental well-being. It is common for a treatable mental health problem (such as depression, anxiety, or Reference obsessive-compulsive disorder Opens New Window) to happen with an eating disorder.

Common exams and tests for a possible eating disorder include:

• A Reference medical history of your physical and emotional health, present and past.
• A Reference physical exam, including checking your heart, lungs, blood pressure, weight, mouth, skin, and hair for problems from malnutrition.
• Reference Screening questions about your eating habits and how you feel about your health.
• A Reference mental health assessment, to check for depression or anxiety.
• Reference Blood tests, to check for signs of malnutrition.
• Reference X-rays Opens New Window, which can show whether your bones have been weakened (Reference osteopenia Opens New Window) by malnutrition.

If your doctor thinks that you may have organ damage, doing heart or kidney tests can be helpful.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.