Characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 93 views

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that can have severe physical and emotional consequences. Among the various types of eating disorders, some are characterized by a distorted body image, restrictive eating patterns, and a fear of gaining weight. In this article, we will explore one such eating disorder and help you identify the best answer to the question.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and restrictive eating patterns. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often believe they are overweight or fat, even if they are severely underweight. This fear of gaining weight leads them to adopt extreme measures to control their weight, such as severely restricting their food intake, engaging in excessive exercise, or using laxatives and diuretics.

Characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by several key features, including:

Intense fear of gaining weight: Individuals with anorexia nervosa have an intense fear of gaining weight, which drives their behavior.
Distorted body image: They have a distorted view of their body shape and size, often believing they are overweight or fat, even if they are severely underweight.
Restrictive eating patterns: They adopt restrictive eating patterns, such as severely limiting their food intake, avoiding certain foods, or eating very small amounts of food.
Fatigue: Individuals with anorexia nervosa often experience fatigue, which can be due to malnutrition, dehydration, or other physical health problems.
Always feeling cold: They may always feel cold, which can be due to a lack of body fat, poor circulation, or other physical health problems.
Withdrawal from social activities and eating with others: They may withdraw from social activities and eating with others, which can be due to feelings of shame, guilt, or anxiety related to their eating disorder.

Comparison with Other Eating Disorders

Anorexia nervosa is often compared with other eating disorders, such as orthorexia nervosa. While both conditions involve restrictive eating patterns, there are key differences between the two.

Orthorexia nervosa: Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with healthy eating. Individuals with orthorexia nervosa may adopt restrictive eating patterns, but their primary motivation is to eat healthy, rather than to avoid gaining weight.
Anorexia nervosa: Anorexia nervosa, on the other hand, is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and restrictive eating patterns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and restrictive eating patterns. Individuals with anorexia nervosa may experience fatigue, always feeling cold, and withdrawal from social activities and eating with others. While anorexia nervosa is often compared with other eating disorders, such as orthorexia nervosa, there are key differences between the two.

Best Answer

Based on the characteristics of anorexia nervosa, the best answer to the question is:

B. Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder that can have severe physical and emotional consequences. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about anorexia nervosa.

Q: What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa?

A: The symptoms of anorexia nervosa can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

Intense fear of gaining weight: Individuals with anorexia nervosa have an intense fear of gaining weight, which drives their behavior.
Distorted body image: They have a distorted view of their body shape and size, often believing they are overweight or fat, even if they are severely underweight.
Restrictive eating patterns: They adopt restrictive eating patterns, such as severely limiting their food intake, avoiding certain foods, or eating very small amounts of food.
Fatigue: Individuals with anorexia nervosa often experience fatigue, which can be due to malnutrition, dehydration, or other physical health problems.
Always feeling cold: They may always feel cold, which can be due to a lack of body fat, poor circulation, or other physical health problems.
Withdrawal from social activities and eating with others: They may withdraw from social activities and eating with others, which can be due to feelings of shame, guilt, or anxiety related to their eating disorder.

Q: What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?

A: The causes of anorexia nervosa are complex and multifaceted. Some possible causes include:

Genetic factors: Individuals with a family history of eating disorders may be more likely to develop anorexia nervosa.
Sociocultural factors: Sociocultural pressures to be thin, such as those perpetuated by the media, can contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa.
Psychological factors: Individuals with low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression may be more likely to develop anorexia nervosa.
Trauma: Individuals who have experienced trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, may be more likely to develop anorexia nervosa.

Q: How is anorexia nervosa diagnosed?

A: Anorexia nervosa is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical and psychological evaluations. A healthcare provider may use the following methods to diagnose anorexia nervosa:

Physical examination: A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to assess the individual's weight, body mass index (BMI), and overall health.
Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests, such as blood work and urine tests, may be used to assess the individual's nutritional status and rule out other medical conditions.
Psychological evaluation: A healthcare provider will conduct a psychological evaluation to assess the individual's mental health and eating habits.
Diagnostic criteria: A healthcare provider will use the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to diagnose the condition.

Q: How is anorexia nervosa treated?

A: Anorexia nervosa is typically treated through a combination of medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions. Some possible treatments for anorexia nervosa include:

Nutritional counseling: A registered dietitian or other healthcare provider will work with the individual to develop a personalized meal plan that meets their nutritional needs.
Medications: Medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, may be used to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Therapy: Individual or group therapy may be used to address underlying psychological issues, such as low self-esteem or anxiety.
Hospitalization: In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide medical treatment and support.

Q: What is the prognosis for anorexia nervosa?

A: The prognosis for anorexia nervosa varies depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. Some individuals may experience a full recovery, while others may experience ongoing symptoms or complications. Factors that can influence the prognosis for anorexia nervosa include:

Age: Individuals who develop anorexia nervosa at a younger age may be more likely to experience a full recovery.
Severity of symptoms: Individuals with more severe symptoms may be more likely to experience ongoing complications.
Treatment: Individuals who receive timely and effective treatment may be more likely to experience a full recovery.
Support: Individuals who receive ongoing support from family, friends, and healthcare providers may be more likely to experience a full recovery.