Symptoms:

extreme thinness going well below what is considered normal weight for height and age;
intense fear of becoming fat or gaining weight;
a distorted body image that leaves the patient believing she is fat even when she is dangerously thin;
obsessive exercising;
weakness
depression
brittle nails and hair but increased baby-like hair on the body;
dry ski;
refusing to eat certain foods for fear of gaining weight;
strange eating habits that include refusing to eat in front of people, cutting food into miniscule pieces;
absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles;
induce vomiting or misuse of laxatives

Consequences:

The body is starved, causing blood pressure to fall, breathing to slow, bones to become brittle, menstruation ceases, and sometimes chemical imbalance that can lead to heart failure. The loss of body fat may make sitting or lying down uncomfortable. Without treatment, the condition can be fatal.

Treatment:

Psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, behavior modification, and self-help groups. Often hospitalization is required. Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed.

Symptoms:

recurrent episodes of binge eating, with at least two episodes a week for three months;
eating in secrecy;
a nearly normal weight and healthy and successful appearance;
low self-esteem and lack of control over eating;
depression;
obsessive-compulsive behaviors or tendency toward perfectionism;
constant concern with body and weight

Treatment:

Psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, behavior modification, and self-help groups. Often hospitalization is required. Antidepressants are sometimes prescribed.