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Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Ilayda Cengizhan
We often wonder when anorexia nervosa was first seen as a unique medical issue. The truth is, the term anorexia nervosa was created in the 1870s. But, stories of self-starvation go back to ancient times. Explore ‘anorexia history.’ Our simple guide reveals the shocking, proven timeline, from “holy” fasting to its modern medical definition.
Richard Morton, a doctor, first wrote about symptoms of this eating disorder in 1689. Looking into the history of anorexia nervosa shows how our views have changed over time. This change is due to cultural and medical factors.
By digging into the past of anorexia nervosa, we learn more about its complex nature. It shows how this issue has grown and changed over centuries.
Self-starvation, linked to modern anorexia nervosa, has ancient roots. It comes from old religious and cultural practices. These influences have changed over time.
In the Hellenistic period, from Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BCE to the Roman Empire’s start in 31 BCE, fasting was key. This time saw many philosophical and religious groups focus on asceticism.
The Hellenistic era saw a big interest in spiritual practices, including fasting. Some groups thought fasting could purify the soul and bring spiritual enlightenment. Fasting was seen as a way to get spiritual clarity and devotion.
These fasting practices weren’t just for one group. They were common among many religious and philosophical communities. People believed fasting helped focus on spiritual goals by reducing distractions from bodily desires.
Religious asceticism was key in the growth of self-starvation behaviors. Ascetics gave up worldly pleasures, including food, to focus on spiritual growth. They saw self-denial as a way to achieve spiritual purity and enlightenment.
Fasting and self-starvation became a way to show devotion. It showed a person’s commitment to their faith and spiritual beliefs. These ancient practices help us understand the history of eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
In medieval times, extreme fasting became common, mainly among religious followers. This era saw self-starvation continue, often linked to religious beliefs. The medieval era’s disordered eating was deeply connected to religious devotion, mainly among women.
The medieval period saw the rise of “fasting saints,” women who fasted to extreme levels for religious reasons. These women were admired for their fasting and seen as very pious. Their fasting was believed to bring them spiritual purity and sometimes divine visions or healing powers.
Examples include Saint Catherine of Siena and Saint Lydia of Thyatira, known for their extreme fasting. Their stories were documented by religious people, showing their devotion and the miraculous effects of their fasting.
In the medieval period, society viewed food refusal through religious lenses. People who fasted a lot were admired but also sometimes seen with suspicion. They were seen as favored by God, but there were worries about heresy or evil influence.
Name | Period | Notable Practices |
Saint Catherine of Siena | 14th Century | Extreme fasting, reported to have survived on minimal food and water |
Saint Lydia of Thyatira | 1st Century, venerated in the Middle Ages | Known for her piety and ascetic practices, including fasting |
Columba of Rieti | 15th Century | Known for her fasting and ascetic lifestyle, considered a blessed figure |
The medieval era’s approach to disordered eating offers insights into anorexia nervosa’s history. By looking at “fasting saints” and how society viewed fasting, we gain a deeper understanding. This helps us see how religious beliefs, cultural norms, and eating disorders evolved together.
In 1689, Richard Morton published a treatise that marked the start of understanding anorexia nervosa. His work, “Phthisiologia: Or, a Treatise of Consumptions,” detailed a condition involving loss of appetite and extreme fasting. This was the first medical recognition of this complex issue.
Morton’s treatise was a major milestone in anorexia nervosa history. It gave a detailed look at patients with extreme weight loss and loss of appetite. The importance of Morton’s work is in its detailed description of the condition, which was not well understood before. “A Treatise of Consumption” covered both physical and psychological aspects, making it a groundbreaking work.
“I saw a Skeleton only clad with skin, yet there was no positiveness of any distemper, that I could apprehend.”
Morton described a patient as a “skeleton clad with skin.” This case showed the extreme nature of the condition he was studying. The patient, likely with advanced anorexia nervosa, had severe emaciation and loss of appetite. Morton’s detailed account of this case is a key moment in anorexia nervosa’s medical history.
Morton’s work in 1689 was a key step in understanding anorexia nervosa. His documentation and the “skeleton clad with skin” patient case have greatly helped the field. They opened the door for more research and understanding of this complex condition.
Exploring anorexia nervosa’s history, we see how medical views changed in the 18th and early 19th centuries. This time saw big steps in understanding health issues, including anorexia nervosa.
In the 18th century, doctors started to see anorexia nervosa as a unique condition. They knew it was different, but they didn’t know much about it yet. Early doctors like Richard Morton helped pave the way for later research.
But figuring out what caused anorexia nervosa was hard. Doctors thought it might be linked to other diseases, like consumption or hysteria. As they learned more, their ideas about anorexia’s causes changed. Yet, it was often mistaken for other illnesses.
Diagnosing anorexia nervosa was tricky because it looked like other diseases. For example, its symptoms were often mixed up with tuberculosis. This mix-up was due to limited tools and understanding of mental health.
Here’s a table showing how anorexia’s symptoms were confused with other diseases back then:
Condition | Symptoms | Common Misdiagnosis |
Anorexia Nervosa | Weight loss, amenorrhea, refusal to eat | Tuberculosis, Hysteria |
Tuberculosis | Cough, fever, weight loss | Anorexia Nervosa |
Hysteria | Emotional distress, various physical complaints | Anorexia Nervosa |
As doctors studied anorexia nervosa more, they could tell it apart from other diseases. Their work in the 18th and early 19th centuries helped lay the groundwork for future research and better diagnosis.
“The history of anorexia nervosa is a complex and multifaceted one, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards food, body image, and mental health.”
Learning about the early medical views on anorexia nervosa helps us understand its complexities. It also shows the challenges faced by those with the condition and their healthcare providers.
In 1873, anorexia nervosa got its first official recognition in medicine. This was thanks to Lasègue and Gull. They were two doctors who shared their findings on the condition.
Charles Lasègue wrote “De l’anorexie hystérique” in 1873. He linked anorexia to hysteria. Lasègue’s work showed how mental health and family ties affect the disorder.
Lasègue’s study showed anorexia’s unique signs. He noted how people with it want to be very thin, even when they’re too skinny.
“The patient is not only indifferent to their condition, but they often deny it, and it is this denial that constitutes one of the most characteristic symptoms of the disease.”
Sir William Gull also studied anorexia nervosa around the same time as Lasègue. His work supported Lasègue’s and added to the understanding of the condition. Gull even came up with the term “anorexia nervosa.”
Gull’s work showed how serious and complex anorexia is. He noted it often affects young women and can be deadly. His research helped start more studies on the condition.
Many famous people have struggled with anorexia, drawing attention to it. Lasègue and Gull’s work in 1873 helped us understand anorexia better. They showed its psychological and physical sides.
Sir William Gull introduced “anorexia nervosa” in 1874. This was a big step in understanding the disorder. It helped doctors tell it apart from other conditions, leading to better care.
Sir William Gull played a key role in defining “anorexia nervosa.” His studies and observations led to the term we know today. He wanted to make it clear that it’s not just about losing appetite.
The name “anorexia nervosa” comes from Greek words. “Anorexia” means “without appetite,” and “nervosa” points to its nervous cause. This naming was a big step because it recognized the mental side of the disorder.
Gull had to separate anorexia nervosa from hysteria and other conditions. Back then, hysteria was a catch-all term for many symptoms, mostly in women. Gull’s work helped make anorexia nervosa its own distinct condition.
To show the differences, here’s a comparison table:
Condition | Primary Characteristics | Typical Demographics |
Anorexia Nervosa | Self-starvation, significant weight loss, fear of gaining weight | Primarily young women |
Hysteria | Diverse physical and psychological symptoms, often including emotional distress | Historically associated with women, though not exclusively |
Gull’s work made it easier for doctors to understand and treat anorexia nervosa. His efforts have shaped how we study and treat eating disorders today.
Learning about the roots of anorexia nervosa offers deep insights. The term “anorexia nervosa” is more than a diagnosis. It shows how our understanding of this complex issue has grown over time.
The word “anorexia” comes from Greek, meaning “without appetite.” Yet, this definition seems odd for those with anorexia nervosa. They often feel hungry and want to eat, despite the name suggesting they don’t.
The term “anorexia” is from Greek words “an-” meaning “without” and “orexia” meaning “appetite” or “desire to eat.” This etymology is key to understanding the disorder’s history. It was named to describe a loss of appetite.
Yet, doctors say the term might be a bit off. People with anorexia nervosa usually have an appetite. But they struggle with food and body image issues.
Anorexia nervosa is unique because people with it keep their appetite. This contrasts with other conditions where appetite loss is a main symptom. This shows how complex anorexia nervosa is, affecting mind, body, and emotions.
Exploring the etymology and meaning of anorexia nervosa shows we need a detailed understanding. The term itself is a starting point for looking into the disorder’s history, psychology, and medicine.
By looking into the Greek roots and the paradox of appetite retention, we get a better grasp of anorexia nervosa. This knowledge is key for creating effective treatments and supporting those with the condition.
The 19th and 20th centuries were key in understanding anorexia nervosa. The Victorian era was a big part of this. It helped shape how we see this complex condition today.
In the Victorian era, anorexia nervosa started to get more attention. The time’s societal pressures and cultural norms greatly affected how people saw it. Fastidiousness and self-control were highly valued, which sometimes hid the true extent of eating disorders.
The early to mid-20th century brought big changes in understanding and treating anorexia nervosa. As psychological theories grew, so did how we manage the disorder. The introduction of psychoanalytic theories changed how we saw anorexia nervosa. It showed that unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences were key in its development.
By looking at the history of anorexia nervosa in the 19th and 20th centuries, we can really get how complex it is. This history helps us understand how treatments have evolved. It’s key for creating effective support and treatments for those with anorexia nervosa.
The way we see anorexia nervosa changed a lot. This change was big because of new research and understanding of the disorder’s causes.
Looking back, we see a big shift. It moved from seeing it as just a physical problem to a mental health issue. This change took time, with lots of research and observations.
Calling anorexia a mental illness was a big step in psychiatry. This change showed how important the mind is in the disorder. It showed it’s not just about physical signs but also deep mental and emotional struggles.
People with anorexia often see their bodies differently and fear weight gain. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) helped make this change official. It sets rules for diagnosing mental health issues, including anorexia.
Many theories and experts have helped us understand anorexia. The psychoanalytic theory has shown how unconscious thoughts and feelings play a part. Sigmund Freud’s work is a big part of this.
Now, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a key treatment. It helps change bad thoughts and actions linked to anorexia. Many studies prove it works well.
Experts like those at the National Eating Disorders Association have also made a difference. They stress the need for early help, family support, and full treatment plans.
By looking at anorexia from different angles, we now understand it better. This helps us diagnose and treat it more effectively, supporting those who struggle with it.
Our understanding of anorexia nervosa has grown a lot. Thanks to new research and studies, we now see it as a complex eating disorder.
Creating clear criteria for diagnosing anorexia nervosa has been key. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) sets the most accepted standards. These include eating too little, being underweight, and fearing weight gain.
Over time, these criteria have changed. The DSM-5 updates show we understand anorexia better. For example, it now includes people who menstruate, not just those who don’t.
Today, scientists see anorexia as a complex issue. It’s influenced by genetics, environment, and psychology. Research points to genetic links and the need for early help.
Treatment is getting better, combining physical and mental health care. Seeing anorexia as a serious mental illness helps in finding better ways to treat it.
Early intervention is very important. It can greatly help in recovery. Families and doctors should watch for signs like eating changes and too much exercise.
Understanding anorexia today means we need to work together. Mental health experts, doctors, and family support are all important. Together, we can offer better care for those with this complex disorder.
Anorexia nervosa has a long and changing history. It has roots in ancient times and has evolved over centuries. We’ve looked at how anorexia nervosa has grown from early signs of self-starvation to being officially recognized in the 19th century.
The history of anorexia shows big steps forward in understanding and treating it. Richard Morton first wrote about it in 1689, and Sir William Gull named it “anorexia nervosa” in 1874. Now, we see it as a serious mental health issue that needs full treatment.
Studying anorexia’s history helps us understand it better. The question of when anorexia was first known is complex, with ancient roots. Our look at anorexia’s history shows why we must keep researching and raising awareness to help those with it.
The first signs of anorexia nervosa appeared in ancient times. People back then practiced self-starvation and extreme fasting for religious reasons.
Anorexia has changed a lot over the years. It was first seen in medieval times and became known as a mental health issue in the 19th century.
Sir William Gull introduced the term “anorexia nervosa” in 1874. He made it clear that it was different from other conditions, marking a big step in understanding the disorder.
The name “anorexia” comes from Greek words. “Anorexia” means “without appetite,” and “nervosa” means related to the nerves. This shows the confusion of having no appetite but being mentally affected.
Our view of anorexia has changed a lot. It was once seen as a physical problem but is now known as a mental health issue. This change came from new ideas in psychology and better ways to diagnose and treat it.
“Fasting saints” were people in medieval times who fasted a lot for religious reasons. Their actions show how anorexia has evolved over time.
Richard Morton wrote about a condition called “nervous consumption” in 1689. He described a case of extreme thinness, which is one of the earliest recorded cases of anorexia.
In the 19th century, doctors like Charles Lasègue and Sir William Gull officially recognized anorexia nervosa. The 20th century saw big steps in understanding it through psychology and new treatments.
Today, anorexia is seen as a mental health issue. The way we diagnose and treat it keeps getting better thanks to new research.
Knowing the history of anorexia helps us understand its complexities. It shows how the disorder has changed and how treatments have improved. This knowledge helps us better support those affected by it.
