Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight. Individuals with anorexia nervosa restrict their food intake, often to the point of starvation, and may also engage in purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
Definition
Anorexia nervosa is defined as a serious psychological disorder that is characterized by an abnormally low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of one’s body. People with anorexia may restrict their food intake to the point of starvation, or may engage in binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for anorexia nervosa include genetic predisposition, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, cultural pressures to be thin, and a history of dieting.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of anorexia nervosa include extreme weight loss, an intense fear of weight gain, a distorted body image, an obsession with food and weight, and extreme and unhealthy dieting behaviors.
Treatment
Treatment for anorexia nervosa typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, and medical care. The goal of treatment is to help the individual to restore a healthy weight, develop normal eating habits, and learn to cope with the underlying psychological issues that contributed to the development of the disorder.