THE CHALLENGE
A widespread stigma has put shame and guilt on people with AN implying that they suffer from AN as a lifestyle choice. This misconception discourages early intervention that is often makes the difference between full recovery and a possible death.
WHAT RESEARCH SHOWS
People with AN are unfairly portrayed as being crazy although they are otherwise highly functioning and intelligent individuals. Current research and evidence confirm the important role of genetic and biological factors in AN. People with AN deserve real help and support, not blame and avoidance.
THE PATH FORWARD
Bringing awareness of the stigma can help everyone in the world to understand how our negative perception is harming the sufferers. That frees people with AN to focus more on recovering from AN in order to thrive again and less on the negative perceptions of society.
