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Facts & Information
What is Anosognosia?
Anosognosia, also called "lack of insight," is a symptom of severe mental illness experienced by some that impairs a person's ability to understand and perceive his or her illness. It is the single largest reason why people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder refuse medications or do not seek treatment. Treatment Advocacy Center.
I am convinced that my daughter, Katie suffered from Anosognosia during the last 6-12 months of her life. After 2 years of severe restriction, I now know her brain was compromised and anorexia was dominating her thinking. She was completely unaware of how compromised her health was. Katie was responsible for her healthcare, she was working full-time; she was able to refuse treatment multiple times even when her treatment team advised her to seek or continue treatment. There was a point when she was responding to treatment, but she refused the next level of care, “I have a plan”. When the plan did not work and needed to return, she refused again. The treatment team told her she would return or die. When I called EMTs she refused to let them take her vitals, it was her right, even though it was obvious she needed medical intervention again. When I asked her if she understood her heart could stop at any moment, her response; “Oh Mom, that is not going to happen.” 6 days later her heart stopped.
I am convinced that my daughter, Katie suffered from Anosognosia during the last 6-12 months of her life. After 2 years of severe restriction, I now know her brain was compromised and anorexia was dominating her thinking. She was completely unaware of how compromised her health was. Katie was responsible for her healthcare, she was working full-time; she was able to refuse treatment multiple times even when her treatment team advised her to seek or continue treatment. There was a point when she was responding to treatment, but she refused the next level of care, “I have a plan”. When the plan did not work and needed to return, she refused again. The treatment team told her she would return or die. When I called EMTs she refused to let them take her vitals, it was her right, even though it was obvious she needed medical intervention again. When I asked her if she understood her heart could stop at any moment, her response; “Oh Mom, that is not going to happen.” 6 days later her heart stopped.
DID you KNOW?
Eating disorders are complex brain-based diseases with potentially life threatening consequences. Early intervention is critical and comprehensive care with a team of trained medical professionals will support recovery. Left undiagnosed and untreated individuals will struggle for years, alone, and may ultimately die due to complications. Everyone knows someone, you just may not be aware. By educating yourself, family and friends you may help someone make the lifesaving decision to seek treatment.
- 30 million people in the U.S. have an eating disorder.
- 1 in 10 will seek treatment.
- 95 percent of people with eating disorders are between the ages 12 and 25.
- Eating disorders have the HIGHEST risk of death of any mental illness (except opioid addiction). Up to 20% of people with chronic anorexia nervosa will die as a result of their illness if it is not treated. This is unacceptable.
- Eating disorders affect all genders, all races and every ethnic group.
- Genetics, environmental factors and personality traits all contribute to the risk of developing an eating disorder.
- It is important to remember that an eating disorder is not just about weight or food.
- Mental health care is one of the most important parts of your child’s recovery. Your child will need help managing their emotions and thoughts around eating adequate amounts of food. This is why having a mental health provider such as a counselor or a therapist is so important in the treatment of eating disorders.
- With treatment, 60 percent of eating disorder patients will make a full recovery. You can help your child succeed by providing love and support, and by ensuring they have a proper treatment team that includes an experienced physician, a registered dietitian and a mental health provider.
- It is very common for people with eating disorders to have other mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Eating disorders are complex medical and mental illnesses that patients don’t choose.
- Eating disorders lead to severe malnutrition that affects nearly every organ in the body.
- Eating Disorder Statistics. “National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders.” National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders anad.org/education-and-awareness/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
- Adolescent Growth. “Eating Disorder Statistics 2017.” Adolescent Growth, 8 Aug. 2017 adolescentgrowth.com
- National Eating Disorder Association Educator Toolkit nationaleatingdisorders.org/toolkits
Regional Resources & More
BIPOC Community
- ROC Recovery Arlington, VA
Key Values
Our doors are open to all who wish to partake in their journey to freedom with us without regard to religion, race, or any other factor. Our eating disorder therapy services are weight-inclusive and trauma-informed. - Whitney Trotter Being an anti-diet clinician is a commitment to dismantling the oppressive systems and de-moralizing food. Diet culture is rooted in the ideology of shrinking your body to conform with American beauty standards. All bodies are good bodies, all bodies are beautiful bodies, and all bodes deserve justice.