Anorexia Nervosa
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder in which a person eats far less than they need, fears gaining weight and sees their body differently from how it is. It can cause severe physical harm and needs early help. Recovery is possible with specialist, coordinated care.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Severely restricted eating
- Intense fear of weight gain
- Distorted body image
- Extreme thinness
How it is usually treated
- Nutritional rehabilitation
- Family-Based Treatment
- CBT for adults
- Medical monitoring
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I am afraid of gaining weight”
- “I skip meals and count every calorie”
- “I see myself as fat even when others say I am thin”
- “My family is worried about how little I eat”
People who live with anorexia nervosa may also notice depression, OCD or generalised anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help now if there is fainting, chest pain, a very slow heartbeat, confusion or thoughts of self-harm. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. Tele-MANAS is on 14416. Do not wait for weight to fall further.
How it is diagnosed
A doctor checks physical health, including heart, blood tests and weight, and a psychiatrist assesses eating, thoughts about body and mood. Physical safety comes first.
Treatment and support
- Medical monitoring, since anorexia can affect the heart and other organs
- Restoring regular eating, usually the first priority, with a dietitian
- Family-based treatment for young people, where parents help with eating
- CBT for eating disorders for adults
- Hospital care if medically unsafe
- A coordinated team approach
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess the eating and mood side of anorexia and coordinate with medical care. Because it can be medically dangerous, your clinician will tell you when in-person medical monitoring or hospital care is needed. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks about eating, weight, mood and physical health in a calm, non-judgemental way, and checks whether any medical tests are needed.
Who is involved
Care brings together a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist and, where needed, a physician or dietitian.
Between sessions
Regular reviews follow physical safety as well as thoughts and behaviours around food.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is anorexia dangerous?
Yes. It is a serious illness with real physical risks, and early treatment improves outcomes.
Is it only a teenage girls' illness?
No. It affects people of all ages and genders.
Can my child recover?
Many young people recover with family-based treatment and early help.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Muskan Jain DesaiClinical Psychologist
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.