Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder marked by extreme weight loss and a fear of gaining weight. It affects mainly adolescents and young women, though it can occur at any age. Symptoms include a distorted body image and excessive dieting or exercise. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy and nutritional support. Understanding the biological, psychological, and sociocultural causes is crucial for effective intervention and recovery.
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Healthcare professionals use specific criteria to diagnose an individual with anorexia nervosa, including low body weight, fear of weight gain, and distorted body image
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a distinct eating disorder characterized by binge eating and compensatory behaviors, but individuals may maintain a normal weight
Atypical Anorexia Nervosa
Atypical anorexia nervosa is a subtype of Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) where individuals meet the criteria for anorexia nervosa except for weight remaining within or above the normal range
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition with the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, due to both medical complications and suicide
Individuals with anorexia nervosa may experience psychological symptoms such as fear of weight gain, distorted body image, and dissatisfaction with their body
Malnutrition and Organ Failure
Severe malnutrition from anorexia nervosa can lead to life-threatening health problems and affect nearly every organ system in the body
Amenorrhea and Other Physical Effects
Physical effects of anorexia nervosa may include amenorrhea in females, brittle hair and nails, anemia, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis
Anorexia nervosa is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors
Genetic Vulnerabilities
Research suggests a heritable component to anorexia nervosa, with genetic vulnerabilities playing a role in the development of the disorder
Neurobiological Factors
Alterations in brain structure and function, particularly in areas that regulate appetite and reward, have been implicated in anorexia nervosa
Societal pressures and cultural norms regarding beauty and success can contribute to maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs about body image, weight, and self-worth
Treatment for anorexia nervosa typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medical stabilization, nutritional rehabilitation, and various forms of psychotherapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of psychotherapy used to treat anorexia nervosa by addressing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors related to the disorder
Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
FBT involves the family in the treatment process and focuses on restoring the individual to a healthy weight and addressing psychological issues related to the disorder
Medications may be used to treat co-occurring mental health conditions, but are not a primary treatment for anorexia nervosa itself
The primary goals of treatment for anorexia nervosa are to restore the individual to a healthy weight, address psychological issues, and develop long-term strategies for recovery and relapse prevention
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Those suffering from anorexia nervosa often engage in extreme ______ and excessive ______ despite being significantly underweight.
food restriction
physical activity
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Anorexia nervosa has the highest ______ rate among psychiatric disorders, due to medical issues and ______.
mortality
suicide
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DSM-5 significance in anorexia diagnosis
DSM-5 provides standardized criteria for mental disorders diagnosis, ensuring consistency across healthcare professionals.
