How Does Ellen Suffer From Anorexia Nervosa

Ellen (Eli), suffers from Anorexia Nervosa, which is the “restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significant low body weight” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). During the film, she would perform certain tasks that would help her lose more weight because of the fear of gaining weight. For example, Ellen would go on a hike with her sister to burn calories, flushed down her antidepressants because she was afraid that they would make her gain weight, and did a lot of sit ups leaving many bruises on her spine. There is also a scene where she asks a guy named Luke (he lives in the threshold house) how he could eat, which makes her panicky to even ask that question. Not only that, but Ellen gets frustrated when Luke tries to make her eat a candy bar, she tells him to back off in a serious voice. Also, that same guy, Luke, invites her to go to dinner. She accepted to go because he said that if she goes with him they could walk to the restaurant and she does not have to eat. At the restaurant, she only chews the food, but does not swallow it, she would spit it out on a napkin. She is also seen running up and down the stairs repeatedly and she would not eat most of the time. Not eating got to the point of Ellen fainting at the bus station when leaving to Arizona with Judy. Someone at the bus station tells her that she needs to eat, but she said that she had just stood up
“The individual suffering from restrictive anorexia is often perceived as highly self-disciplined. They restrict the quantity of food, calories and often high fat or high sugar foods. They consume far fewer calories than are needed to maintain a healthy weight” (Ekern,