Anorexia Nervosa

Symptoms

Extreme weight loss

Irregular heart rate

Severely restricted food intake

Skipping meals or lying about eating

Diagnostic Criteria

Sources

Refusal to maintain body weight or abnormally low weight

Fear of gaining weight

Disturbed by weight, negative perception of body

Absence of at least 3 menstrual cycles not explained by contraceptives, etc.

Statistics

Patients are 75% female, 25% male

.9% of women and .3% of men have had anorexia at some point in their life

41.5% of high school female athletes have reported disordered eating

Risk Factors and Groups

Mental health or substance abuse problems

Athletes in sports that place emphasis on size (ballet, gymnastics, wrestling

Perfectionism

Weight stigma or bullying

Reccommended Treatment

Hospitalization if severe

Psychotherapy and other programs

Support from a dietician