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A team at the University of Sydney, led by Prof Stephen Touyz, has advocated a move to diagnosing anorexia nervosa in stages of severity, similar to the method used for diagnosing cancer, the `Sydney Morning Herald` reported.
The proposed system of stages would introduce the diagnosis of stage one anorexia nervosa for patients who clearly already suffer from the illness but do not yet meet its official diagnostic criteria, say the scientists.
The need for early diagnosis and treatment is particularly pressing given the severe lack of hospital treatment options for adults suffering from anorexia nervosa. "But if you pick up the disease early enough, you can receive proper treatment early on, have a better chance of overcoming the illness and avoid hospitalisation," Professor Touyz said. The staging would also improve public awareness and understanding of anorexia nervosa, say the scientists.
"People who have symptoms of anorexia nervosa but don`t meet the diagnostic criteria are currently described as having EDNOS, or `eating disorder not otherwise specified`. If you tell people you have EDNOS, few people understand. But if you say you have stage one anorexia nervosa, people appreciate the seriousness of the condition," he said.