Question 1

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. It is caused by severe caloric restriction that leads to malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, hormonal disruptions including low leptin levels, and deficiencies in essential nutrients like zinc. The Zinc blood test is the most important test for anorexia nervosa because zinc deficiency can worsen appetite loss and immune function, making it essential to monitor during treatment and recovery.

Question 2

What causes anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa is caused by a complex combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors. Psychological contributors include perfectionism, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and distorted body image, while biological factors involve genetic predisposition and brain chemistry imbalances affecting appetite regulation and mood. Environmental triggers can include societal pressure for thinness, traumatic life events, cultural emphasis on appearance, and certain sports or professions that prioritize low body weight.

Question 3

What is the best test for anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

The Zinc blood test is the most important test for anorexia nervosa because zinc deficiency is extremely common due to restricted food intake and directly worsens appetite loss, creating a dangerous cycle. The Leptin Serum test is also essential as it measures the hormone that regulates hunger and energy balance, with characteristically low levels in anorexia reflecting dangerously low body fat. Additional critical tests include the Prolactin test to monitor hormonal disruptions affecting menstrual cycles, the C-Telopeptide test to assess bone breakdown and prevent skeletal complications, and the Carotene test to evaluate dietary patterns and nutritional status during treatment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you or someone you care about is severely restricting food intake, has lost significant weight rapidly, experiences missed menstrual periods, feels dizzy or fatigued frequently, or shows obsessive behaviors around food and exercise. Testing is especially important if physical symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, cold intolerance, or heart palpitations develop, as these indicate serious nutritional deficiencies and medical complications. Early testing and intervention can prevent life-threatening complications and support more effective recovery outcomes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa symptoms include extreme weight loss, intense fear of gaining weight despite being underweight, distorted body image, and denial of hunger. Physical symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, brittle hair and nails, dry skin, intolerance to cold, absence of menstruation in females, constipation, and irregular heart rhythms. Behavioral signs include obsessive calorie counting, avoiding meals, excessive exercise, wearing baggy clothes to hide weight loss, and social withdrawal from eating situations.

Question 6

Who is at risk for anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa most commonly affects adolescent girls and young women, though it can occur in males and people of all ages. Individuals with perfectionist tendencies, anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive traits, or a family history of eating disorders are at higher risk. Athletes in sports emphasizing leanness such as gymnastics, ballet, wrestling, and distance running face increased risk, as do people in appearance-focused professions like modeling and acting. Those who have experienced trauma, bullying about weight, or significant life stressors are also more vulnerable to developing this eating disorder.

Question 7

What happens if anorexia nervosa is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated anorexia nervosa can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications affecting every organ system in the body. Cardiovascular complications include heart failure, irregular heartbeats, and sudden cardiac death, while bone loss can become irreversible leading to osteoporosis and fractures. Hormonal disruptions cause infertility, kidney failure can develop from chronic dehydration, and severe electrolyte imbalances can cause seizures. Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, with death occurring from medical complications or suicide, making early intervention and comprehensive treatment absolutely critical.

Question 8

Can anorexia nervosa be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone, as the diagnosis is made through clinical assessment and psychological evaluation by qualified mental health professionals. However, blood tests are essential for monitoring the medical complications and nutritional deficiencies that accompany this eating disorder. Tests like zinc, leptin, prolactin, and bone breakdown markers help healthcare providers assess the severity of malnutrition, track organ function, detect dangerous electrolyte imbalances, and monitor recovery progress throughout treatment.

Question 9

How is anorexia nervosa treated?

Accepted Answer

Anorexia nervosa treatment requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach involving medical doctors, mental health professionals, and registered dietitians working together. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-based therapy, addresses distorted thoughts about food, weight, and body image. Nutritional rehabilitation focuses on gradual, supervised weight restoration and establishing healthy eating patterns, while medical monitoring through blood tests tracks organ function and nutritional status. In severe cases, hospitalization or residential treatment may be necessary to stabilize medical complications, and ongoing support through support groups and continued therapy helps prevent relapse.

Question 10

How can I prevent anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Preventing anorexia nervosa involves fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image from an early age through positive family meals and avoiding diet talk. Encourage self-esteem based on character and abilities rather than appearance, teach critical thinking about media messages promoting unrealistic body standards, and create open communication about emotions and stress. Address any signs of anxiety, perfectionism, or depression early with professional support, and be cautious with sports or activities that emphasize weight or appearance. Building resilience through strong social connections and healthy coping strategies for stress can significantly reduce eating disorder risk.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support recovery from anorexia nervosa?

Accepted Answer

Supporting recovery from anorexia nervosa at home requires creating a structured, supportive environment with regular meal times and reducing focus on weight or appearance. Family members should educate themselves about eating disorders, avoid commenting on food choices or body size, and instead offer emotional support and encouragement for healthy behaviors. Establishing stress-reduction practices like gentle yoga, meditation, journaling, and creative activities can help manage anxiety without excessive exercise. However, home support must complement professional treatment from medical doctors, therapists, and dietitians, as anorexia nervosa is a serious medical condition requiring comprehensive, supervised care for successful recovery.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Anorexia Nervosa Blood Test

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

What causes anorexia nervosa?

What is the best test for anorexia nervosa?

When should I get tested for anorexia nervosa?

References

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