Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, as defined by the DSM-IV, is characterized by:

• Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimal normal weight for age and height
• Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though under-weight
• Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced,  undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight

Generally, a patient is considered to have anorexia nervosa when weight drops to less than 85% of ideal body weight. The intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat is associated with body image distortion in which the patient inaccurately perceives his or her body shape and size. Finally, the absence of menses for at least 3 consecutive menstrual cycles is required for the diagnosis to be given. Anorexia nervosa is subdivided into (1) the restricting type, in which food intake is limited, and (2) the binge-eating or purging type. The latter category includes anorexia nervosa patients who also engage in regular binge eating or purging behaviors, including self-induced vomiting or the abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.