Diagnostic issues and controversies
The diagnosis of this problem is often delayed as patients have a tendency to
be secretive and in some cases may altogether deny the need for professional
help. They refuse to believe that they are suffering from any disorder. Family
members usually seek professional help for the patient only when there is extreme
weight loss or when certain other medical complications occur in the patient
due to this disorder.
Anorexia nervosa may simultaneously occur with other psychological problems
like depression, personality disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder
etc. thus making differentiation difficult. Loss of appetite can occur due to
a number of medical conditions but may sometimes be wrongfully attributed to
anorexia nervosa.
Some symptoms and diagnoses of anorexia nervosa are quite similar to that of
"bulimia nervosa" eating disorder, making it difficult to distinguish
between the two. Also a few minor changes in the overall behavior of a patient
can very easily change the diagnosis from anorexia nervosa to bulimia nervosa.
It is also possible that some patients may not display all the required symptoms
but still have this eating disorder and may need professional help.
