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Warning-sign checks

Anorexia nervosa: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services or go to an emergency department for chest pain, trouble breathing, a seizure, collapse, severe confusion, vomiting blood, or an irregular or very rapid heartbeat with feeling unwell.

    Immediate help is also needed for suicidal thoughts with intent or a plan, a suicide attempt, or an inability to stay safe.

    In the United States, call or text 988 for crisis support; elsewhere, use the local crisis or emergency service.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical advice for repeated vomiting, worsening weakness, significant dizziness, dehydration, confusion, or fainting.

    Severe abdominal pain also needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up is usually regular and may continue after eating and weight have improved.

    Visits can review food intake, eating-disorder behaviors, mood, activity, vital signs, weight trends, laboratory results, and progress toward personal goals.

    Children and teenagers also need monitoring of height, puberty, and development.

    Routine follow-up should be arranged if food restriction is increasing, weight is falling, periods stop or become irregular, exercise feels difficult to control, or thoughts about food and weight interfere with daily life.

    Returning symptoms are a reason to contact the care team early, not a sign of failure.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Anorexia nervosa. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.