{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization","path":"/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization","title":"When Anorexia Requires Hospitalization","family":"Library detail","description":"Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can cause serious complications if left untreated.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization","wordpressId":"484","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/naomi-carr#person","name":"Naomi Carr","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/naomi-carr"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2023-06-20T08:20:00Z","dateModified":"2025-09-16T15:45:36Z","lastReviewed":"2023-06-20"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library\">Library</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/eating-disorders\">Eating Disorders</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">When Anorexia Requires Hospitalization</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page article-standard\" data-library-standard><div class=\"article-main-grid\"><header class=\"article-heading\"><h1>When Anorexia Requires Hospitalization</h1><p class=\"article-inline-credits\"><span>Written by <a class=\"article-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/naomi-carr\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/2428.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" loading=\"lazy\">Naomi Carr</a></span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class=\"article-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" loading=\"lazy\">Morgan Blair</a></span></p><div class=\"article-dates\"><span>Published on <time datetime=\"2023-06-20T08:20:00Z\">June 20, 2023</time></span><span aria-hidden=\"true\"> · </span><span>Updated on <time datetime=\"2025-09-16T15:45:36Z\">September 16, 2025</time></span></div></header><div class=\"article-jumpbar\"></div><div class=\"article-layout\"><div class=\"article-reading\"><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\"><div class=\"article-intro\" data-source-field=\"hero\"><p>Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that impacts the way individuals feel and behave around food, eating, and body image. Untreated, anorexia can lead to severe physical health problems. It is a condition that requires professional advice and treatment, and some individuals may require hospitalization.</p></div><figure class=\"article-feature\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/qa246/editorial-17240.webp\" alt=\"A woman sits at a table with a bowl.\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\"></figure><section class=\"article-takeaways\" aria-labelledby=\"key-takeaways\"><h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key takeaways</h2><ul><li>Anorexia may require hospitalization when medical instability, severe complications, suicide risk, or inadequate support make outpatient care unsafe.</li><li>Inpatient treatment prioritizes physical stabilization and carefully managed nutritional rehabilitation.</li><li>A multidisciplinary team also addresses eating-related beliefs and emotions and prepares the person and family for continued recovery.</li></ul></section><span id=\"what-is-anorexia-eating-disorders-are-mental-health-conditions-that-impact-behaviors-and-attitudes-toward-food-eating-and-body-image\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"what-is-anorexia\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"what-is-anorexia\">What Is anorexia?</h2><p>\nEating disorders are mental health conditions that impact behaviors and attitudes toward food, eating, and body image. <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/anorexia-nervosa\" class=\"article-inline-link\">Anorexia nervosa</a> commonly develops during adolescence, but can affect people of any gender or age <sup><a href=\"#anorexia-nervosa-requiring-admission-adolescents\" aria-label=\"Reference 1\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[1]</a></sup>.\nThe <em>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)</em> outlines criteria for a diagnosis of anorexia that include <sup><a href=\"#feeding-eating-disorders-anorexia-nervosa\" aria-label=\"Reference 2\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[2]</a></sup>:\n</p><ul>\n    <li>Severely restricting dietary intake, leading to excessive weight loss and significantly low body weight</li>\n    <li>Intense fear of weight gain</li>\n    <li>Lack of insight into the severity of disordered eating behaviors and distorted view of own body image</li>\n</ul><p>\nAnorexia can be further defined as a restrictive type, in which dietary intake is consistently restricted to prevent weight gain, and a binge-purge type, in which individuals engage in binge eating episodes followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting.\n</p><span id=\"at-what-point-do-people-with-anorexia-require-hospitalization-although-it-is-possible-to-overcome-anorexia-without-professional-help-the-best-chance-of-recovery-involves-intervention-from-specialized-professionals-early-intervention-further-increases-the-possibility-of-recovery\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"when-anorexia-requires-hospitalization\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"when-anorexia-requires-hospitalization\">At What Point Do People With Anorexia Require Hospitalization?</h2><p>\nAlthough it is possible to overcome anorexia without professional help, the best chance of recovery involves intervention from specialized professionals. Early intervention further increases the possibility of recovery <sup><a href=\"#treatment-anorexia-nervosa\" aria-label=\"Reference 3\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[3]</a></sup>.\n</p><p>Many individuals with anorexia receive professional treatment through outpatient care services, allowing them to remain at home while treating the condition. However, this is not always possible, and some people find that they are unable to properly engage with treatment in this way, causing a worsening in their condition and thus requiring hospitalization <sup><a href=\"#anorexia-nervosa-requiring-admission-adolescents\" aria-label=\"Reference 1\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[1]</a></sup><sup><a href=\"#rehospitalization-revolving-door-anorexia-nervosa-there-any-predictors-time\" aria-label=\"Reference 4\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[4]</a></sup>.</p><p>\nAlthough it may vary between individual cases, people with anorexia are typically admitted to hospital for treatment when one or more of the following criteria are met <sup><a href=\"#anorexia-nervosa-requiring-admission-adolescents\" aria-label=\"Reference 1\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[1]</a></sup><sup><a href=\"#treatment-anorexia-nervosa\" aria-label=\"Reference 3\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[3]</a></sup>:\n</p><ul>\n    <li>Body weight is severely lower than is normal for the height, age, and gender of the individual. This is typically considered to be the case at below 75% of the expected body weight for the individual.</li>\n    <li>Vital signs, such as pulse, temperature, and blood pressure, are severely low.</li>\n    <li>The individual has severe physical concerns that may be life-threatening.</li>\n    <li>The individual is under the age of 18 and does not have appropriate support at home or access to necessary resources to improve their health.</li>\n    <li>Professionals have deemed the individual to be at significant risk of suicide.</li>\n</ul><p>\nPeople with anorexia can receive inpatient treatment voluntarily by deciding themselves that they need hospitalization, or involuntarily when a professional has deemed it a medical emergency and hospitalizes the individual in their best interest <sup><a href=\"#indications-involuntary-hospitalization-refusal-treatment-severe-anorexia-nervosa-survey\" aria-label=\"Reference 5\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[5]</a></sup>.\n</p><span id=\"complications-of-anorexia-prolonged-or-untreated-anorexia-can-result-in-several-physical-health-complications-which-can-become-increasingly-severe-or-even-fatal-complications-of-anorexia-can-include\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"complications-of-anorexia\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"complications-of-anorexia\">Complications of Anorexia</h2><p>\nProlonged or untreated anorexia can result in several physical health complications, which can become increasingly severe or even fatal.\nComplications of anorexia can include <sup><a href=\"#anorexia-nervosa-requiring-admission-adolescents\" aria-label=\"Reference 1\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[1]</a></sup><sup><a href=\"#anorexia-nervosa-medical-complications\" aria-label=\"Reference 6\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[6]</a></sup>:\n</p><ul>\n    <li>Rapid and severe weight loss</li>\n    <li>Hormonal abnormalities and fertility issues</li>\n    <li>Amenorrhea (missed or irregular menstrual periods)</li>\n    <li>Heart problems, such as abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and sudden cardiac arrest</li>\n    <li>Weak and brittle bones</li>\n    <li>Decline in brain health and cognitive function</li>\n    <li>Weakened immune system</li>\n    <li>Gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and stomach pain</li>\n    <li>Kidney failure</li>\n    <li>Reduced blood cell count</li>\n</ul><p>\nAs such, anorexia often requires specialist professional treatment. Specialist treatment can improve a sufferers physical and mental wellbeing and prevent a worsening of physical health complications, many of which can lead to death if not managed effectively.\n</p><span id=\"what-does-inpatient-anorexia-treatment-involve-treatment-for-anorexia-nervosa-both-as-an-inpatient-and-an-outpatient-requires-a-multidisciplinary-approach-while-in-a-hospital-individuals-with-anorexia-will-receive-input-into-their-treatment-plan-from-several-medical-and-mental-health-professionals-including-a-psychiatrist-a-medical-physician-eating-disorder-therapists-and-a-registered-dietician\" class=\"section-anchor-alias\" data-section-alias=\"what-does-inpatient-anorexia-treatment-involve\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><h2 id=\"what-does-inpatient-anorexia-treatment-involve\">What Does Inpatient Anorexia Treatment Involve?</h2><p>\nTreatment for anorexia nervosa, both as an inpatient and an outpatient, requires a multidisciplinary approach. While in a hospital, individuals with anorexia will receive input into their treatment plan from several medical and mental health professionals, including a psychiatrist, a medical physician, eating disorder therapists, and a registered dietician <sup><a href=\"#rehospitalization-revolving-door-anorexia-nervosa-there-any-predictors-time\" aria-label=\"Reference 4\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[4]</a></sup>.\n</p><p>Upon hospitalization, individuals will first be treated for any severe or life-threatening physical conditions that have occurred, in order to stabilize their physical health <sup><a href=\"#anorexia-nervosa-requiring-admission-adolescents\" aria-label=\"Reference 1\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[1]</a></sup>.</p><p>At this time, they will also undergo the refeeding process, to increase body weight and nutritional intake. This will likely require therapeutic intervention and nutritional counseling to help manage behaviors and attitudes toward food and eating. Management of these symptoms allows for the refeeding process to commence with necessary support in place <sup><a href=\"#treatment-anorexia-nervosa\" aria-label=\"Reference 3\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[3]</a></sup><sup><a href=\"#rehospitalization-revolving-door-anorexia-nervosa-there-any-predictors-time\" aria-label=\"Reference 4\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[4]</a></sup>.</p><p>If required, nasogastric (NG) tube feeding may be implemented while in the hospital. Tube feeds can provide the individual with the necessary nutrition and fluid even when the severity of their condition does not allow them to engage in the refeeding process voluntarily. Tube feeds can also reduce the risk of refeeding syndrome through gradual supplementation of nutrition and vitamins <sup><a href=\"#rehospitalization-revolving-door-anorexia-nervosa-there-any-predictors-time\" aria-label=\"Reference 4\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[4]</a></sup><sup><a href=\"#refeeding-syndrome-it-prevent-treat-it\" aria-label=\"Reference 7\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[7]</a></sup>.</p><p>During treatment, the individual will also receive specialized therapy. In therapy they will explore their thoughts and feelings related to their body image as well as any emotions that arise during their treatment process. They will also discuss and explore any underlying causes of the condition <sup><a href=\"#treatment-anorexia-nervosa\" aria-label=\"Reference 3\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[3]</a></sup>.</p><p>Often, the individual and loved ones involved in their medical care will receive psychoeducation on the condition, symptoms, and recovery process. This can help to provide all involved with support and understanding of the treatment process, which can also be utilized upon the individual’s discharge from the hospital once their health and weight is stabilized <sup><a href=\"#treatment-anorexia-nervosa\" aria-label=\"Reference 3\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[3]</a></sup><sup><a href=\"#rehospitalization-revolving-door-anorexia-nervosa-there-any-predictors-time\" aria-label=\"Reference 4\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[4]</a></sup>.</p></article><div class=\"article-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-sources\" id=\"references\" data-source-references=\"\" data-reference-list=\"\" data-reference-style=\"author-date-numbered\"><h2 id=\"references-2\">References</h2><ol>\n    <li id=\"anorexia-nervosa-requiring-admission-adolescents\" data-reference-number=\"1\">Khalifa, I., &amp; Goldman, R.D. (2019). Anorexia Nervosa Requiring Admission in Adolescents. Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien, 65(2), 107–108. Retrieved from <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6515507/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">National Library of Medicine</a></li>\n    <li id=\"feeding-eating-disorders-anorexia-nervosa\" data-reference-number=\"2\">American Psychiatric Association. (2013, text revision 2022). Feeding and Eating Disorders – Anorexia Nervosa. In The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA. Retrieved from <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787.x10_Feeding_and_Eating_Disorders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Feeding and Eating Disorders – Anorexia Nervosa</a></li>\n    <li id=\"treatment-anorexia-nervosa\" data-reference-number=\"3\">National Health Service. (Reviewed 2021). Treatment - Anorexia. NHS. Retrieved from <a href=\"https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/anorexia/treatment/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">NHS</a></li>\n    <li id=\"rehospitalization-revolving-door-anorexia-nervosa-there-any-predictors-time\" data-reference-number=\"4\">Marzola, E., Longo, P., Sardella, F., Delsedime, N., &amp; Abbate-Daga, G. (2021). Rehospitalization and 'Revolving Door' in Anorexia Nervosa: Are There Any Predictors of Time to Readmission? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. Retrieved from <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.694223\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Rehospitalization and 'Revolving Door' in Anorexia Nervosa</a></li>\n    <li id=\"indications-involuntary-hospitalization-refusal-treatment-severe-anorexia-nervosa-survey\" data-reference-number=\"5\">Takimoto, Y. (2022). Indications for Involuntary Hospitalization for Refusal of Treatment in Severe Anorexia Nervosa: A Survey of Physicians and Mental Health Care Review Board Members in Japan. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10, 176. Retrieved from <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00703-w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Indications for Involuntary Hospitalization for Refusal of Treatment in Severe…</a></li>\n    <li id=\"anorexia-nervosa-medical-complications\" data-reference-number=\"6\">Mehler, P.S., &amp; Brown, C. (2015). Anorexia Nervosa – Medical Complications. Journal of Eating Disorders, 3, 11. Retrieved from <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-015-0040-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Anorexia Nervosa – Medical Complications</a></li>\n    <li id=\"refeeding-syndrome-it-prevent-treat-it\" data-reference-number=\"7\">Mehanna, H.M., Moledina, J., &amp; Travis, J. (2008). Refeeding Syndrome: What It Is, and How To Prevent and Treat It. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 336(7659), 1495–1498. Retrieved from <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a301\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Refeeding Syndrome</a></li>\n</ol></section><section class=\"article-medical article-panel\"><h2 id=\"medical-content\">Medical Content</h2><p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/clinical-affairs\">The Clinical Affairs Team</a> at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy\">Editorial Policy</a>.</p></section><section class=\"article-about article-panel\"><h2 id=\"about-mentalhealth-com\">About MentalHealth.com</h2><p>MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.</p><div class=\"article-contributors\"><section class=\"article-bio\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/2428.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><div><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Author</p><h3 id=\"naomi-carr\"><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/naomi-carr\">Naomi Carr</a></h3><p class=\"article-bio-credentials\">Writer</p><p>Naomi Carr is a writer with a background in English Literature from Oxford Brookes University.</p><dl><div><dt>Published</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2023-06-20T08:20:00Z\">June 20, 2023</time></dd></div><div><dt>Updated</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-09-16T15:45:36Z\">September 16, 2025</time></dd></div></dl></div></section><section class=\"article-bio\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><div><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Medical Reviewer</p><h3 id=\"morgan-blair\"><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair\">Morgan Blair</a></h3><p class=\"article-bio-credentials\">MA, LPCC</p><p>Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.</p><dl><div><dt>Reviewed</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2023-06-20\">June 20, 2023</time></dd></div></dl></div></section></div></section><section class=\"article-expert article-expert-mobile\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair\">Morgan Blair</a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Support for eating disorders</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community article-topic-community-mobile\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-15240.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Eating Disorders</h2><p>A space to explore experiences with eating disorders, body image, and support.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/eating-disorders\">Explore community</a></section></div></div><aside class=\"article-sidebar\" tabindex=\"0\" data-bounded-rail=\"\" aria-label=\"Article navigation and related information\"><details class=\"article-contents\" open data-section-preview=\"3\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-scrolled-past=\"false\"><summary><strong>Table of contents</strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><small data-current-section=\"\">Choose a section</small></summary><nav aria-label=\"Article contents\"><ol id=\"article-section-list\"><li><a href=\"#what-is-anorexia\" title=\"What Is anorexia?\" aria-label=\"What Is anorexia?\">What Is anorexia?</a></li><li><a href=\"#when-anorexia-requires-hospitalization\" title=\"At What Point Do People With Anorexia Require Hospitalization?\" aria-label=\"When anorexia requires hospitalization\">When anorexia requires hospitalization</a></li><li><a href=\"#complications-of-anorexia\" title=\"Complications of Anorexia\" aria-label=\"Complications of Anorexia\">Complications of Anorexia</a></li><li><a href=\"#what-does-inpatient-anorexia-treatment-involve\" title=\"What Does Inpatient Anorexia Treatment Involve?\" aria-label=\"What Does Inpatient Anorexia Treatment Involve?\">What Does Inpatient Anorexia Treatment Involve?</a></li></ol><button type=\"button\" class=\"article-sections-toggle\" data-sections-toggle aria-controls=\"article-section-list\" aria-expanded=\"false\">View more</button></nav></details><section class=\"article-expert\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair\">Morgan Blair</a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Support for eating disorders</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-15240.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Eating Disorders</h2><p>A space to explore experiences with eating disorders, body image, and support.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/eating-disorders\">Explore community</a></section></aside></div></div></div>","text":"HomeLibraryEating DisordersWhen Anorexia Requires HospitalizationWhen Anorexia Requires HospitalizationWritten by Naomi CarrMedically reviewed by Morgan BlairPublished on June 20, 2023 · Updated on September 16, 2025Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that impacts the way individuals feel and behave around food, eating, and body image. Untreated, anorexia can lead to severe physical health problems. It is a condition that requires professional advice and treatment, and some individuals may require hospitalization.Key takeawaysAnorexia may require hospitalization when medical instability, severe complications, suicide risk, or inadequate support make outpatient care unsafe.Inpatient treatment prioritizes physical stabilization and carefully managed nutritional rehabilitation.A multidisciplinary team also addresses eating-related beliefs and emotions and prepares the person and family for continued recovery.What Is anorexia? Eating disorders are mental health conditions that impact behaviors and attitudes toward food, eating, and body image. Anorexia nervosa commonly develops during adolescence, but can affect people of any gender or age [1]. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines criteria for a diagnosis of anorexia that include [2]: Severely restricting dietary intake, leading to excessive weight loss and significantly low body weight Intense fear of weight gain Lack of insight into the severity of disordered eating behaviors and distorted view of own body image Anorexia can be further defined as a restrictive type, in which dietary intake is consistently restricted to prevent weight gain, and a binge-purge type, in which individuals engage in binge eating episodes followed by purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting. At What Point Do People With Anorexia Require Hospitalization? Although it is possible to overcome anorexia without professional help, the best chance of recovery involves intervention from specialized professionals. Early intervention further increases the possibility of recovery [3]. Many individuals with anorexia receive professional treatment through outpatient care services, allowing them to remain at home while treating the condition. However, this is not always possible, and some people find that they are unable to properly engage with treatment in this way, causing a worsening in their condition and thus requiring hospitalization [1][4]. Although it may vary between individual cases, people with anorexia are typically admitted to hospital for treatment when one or more of the following criteria are met [1][3]: Body weight is severely lower than is normal for the height, age, and gender of the individual. This is typically considered to be the case at below 75% of the expected body weight for the individual. Vital signs, such as pulse, temperature, and blood pressure, are severely low. The individual has severe physical concerns that may be life-threatening. The individual is under the age of 18 and does not have appropriate support at home or access to necessary resources to improve their health. Professionals have deemed the individual to be at significant risk of suicide. People with anorexia can receive inpatient treatment voluntarily by deciding themselves that they need hospitalization, or involuntarily when a professional has deemed it a medical emergency and hospitalizes the individual in their best interest [5]. Complications of Anorexia Prolonged or untreated anorexia can result in several physical health complications, which can become increasingly severe or even fatal. Complications of anorexia can include [1][6]: Rapid and severe weight loss Hormonal abnormalities and fertility issues Amenorrhea (missed or irregular menstrual periods) Heart problems, such as abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and sudden cardiac arrest Weak and brittle bones Decline in brain health and cognitive function Weakened immune system Gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and stomach pain Kidney failure Reduced blood cell count As such, anorexia often requires specialist professional treatment. Specialist treatment can improve a sufferers physical and mental wellbeing and prevent a worsening of physical health complications, many of which can lead to death if not managed effectively. What Does Inpatient Anorexia Treatment Involve? Treatment for anorexia nervosa, both as an inpatient and an outpatient, requires a multidisciplinary approach. While in a hospital, individuals with anorexia will receive input into their treatment plan from several medical and mental health professionals, including a psychiatrist, a medical physician, eating disorder therapists, and a registered dietician [4]. Upon hospitalization, individuals will first be treated for any severe or life-threatening physical conditions that have occurred, in order to stabilize their physical health [1].At this time, they will also undergo the refeeding process, to increase body weight and nutritional intake. This will likely require therapeutic intervention and nutritional counseling to help manage behaviors and attitudes toward food and eating. Management of these symptoms allows for the refeeding process to commence with necessary support in place [3][4].If required, nasogastric (NG) tube feeding may be implemented while in the hospital. Tube feeds can provide the individual with the necessary nutrition and fluid even when the severity of their condition does not allow them to engage in the refeeding process voluntarily. Tube feeds can also reduce the risk of refeeding syndrome through gradual supplementation of nutrition and vitamins [4][7].During treatment, the individual will also receive specialized therapy. In therapy they will explore their thoughts and feelings related to their body image as well as any emotions that arise during their treatment process. They will also discuss and explore any underlying causes of the condition [3].Often, the individual and loved ones involved in their medical care will receive psychoeducation on the condition, symptoms, and recovery process. This can help to provide all involved with support and understanding of the treatment process, which can also be utilized upon the individual’s discharge from the hospital once their health and weight is stabilized [3][4].References Khalifa, I., & Goldman, R.D. (2019). Anorexia Nervosa Requiring Admission in Adolescents. Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien, 65(2), 107–108. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine American Psychiatric Association. (2013, text revision 2022). Feeding and Eating Disorders – Anorexia Nervosa. In The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA. Retrieved from Feeding and Eating Disorders – Anorexia Nervosa National Health Service. (Reviewed 2021). Treatment - Anorexia. NHS. Retrieved from NHS Marzola, E., Longo, P., Sardella, F., Delsedime, N., & Abbate-Daga, G. (2021). Rehospitalization and 'Revolving Door' in Anorexia Nervosa: Are There Any Predictors of Time to Readmission? Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12. Retrieved from Rehospitalization and 'Revolving Door' in Anorexia Nervosa Takimoto, Y. (2022). Indications for Involuntary Hospitalization for Refusal of Treatment in Severe Anorexia Nervosa: A Survey of Physicians and Mental Health Care Review Board Members in Japan. Journal of Eating Disorders, 10, 176. Retrieved from Indications for Involuntary Hospitalization for Refusal of Treatment in Severe… Mehler, P.S., & Brown, C. (2015). Anorexia Nervosa – Medical Complications. Journal of Eating Disorders, 3, 11. Retrieved from Anorexia Nervosa – Medical Complications Mehanna, H.M., Moledina, J., & Travis, J. (2008). Refeeding Syndrome: What It Is, and How To Prevent and Treat It. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 336(7659), 1495–1498. Retrieved from Refeeding Syndrome Medical ContentThe Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.About MentalHealth.comMentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.AuthorNaomi CarrWriterNaomi Carr is a writer with a background in English Literature from Oxford Brookes University.PublishedJune 20, 2023UpdatedSeptember 16, 2025Medical ReviewerMorgan BlairMA, LPCCMorgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.ReviewedJune 20, 2023Subject matter expertMorgan BlairSupport for eating disordersView experienceRelated communitiesEating DisordersA space to explore experiences with eating disorders, body image, and support.Explore communityTable of contentsChoose a sectionWhat Is anorexia?When anorexia requires hospitalizationComplications of AnorexiaWhat Does Inpatient Anorexia Treatment Involve?View moreSubject matter expertMorgan BlairSupport for eating disordersView experienceRelated communitiesEating DisordersA space to explore experiences with eating disorders, body image, and support.Explore community","wordCount":1321},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Eating Disorders","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/eating-disorders"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"When Anorexia Requires Hospitalization","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/qa246/editorial-17240.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/qa246/editorial-17240.webp","width":1000,"height":666,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"A woman sits at a table with a bowl."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/naomi-carr#person","name":"Naomi Carr","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/naomi-carr","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/2428.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-carr-07784590/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair","jobTitle":"MA, LPCC","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-blair-5627aa88/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization","headline":"When Anorexia Requires Hospitalization","description":"Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that can cause serious complications if left untreated.","wordCount":895,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/when-anorexia-patients-need-hospitalization#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Library","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Khalifa, I., & Goldman, R.D. 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disorders","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"keyTakeaways":["Anorexia may require hospitalization when medical instability, severe complications, suicide risk, or inadequate support make outpatient care unsafe.","Inpatient treatment prioritizes physical stabilization and carefully managed nutritional rehabilitation.","A multidisciplinary team also addresses eating-related beliefs and emotions and prepares the person and family for continued recovery."],"introduction":{"html":"Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that impacts the way individuals feel and behave around food, eating, and body image. 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