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Anorexia nervosa - Overview

Alternative Names

Eating disorder - anorexia

Definition of Anorexia nervosa:

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person refuses to stay at even the minimum body weight considered normal for their age and height. Persons with this disorder may have an intense fear of weight gain and a distorted body image. Inadequate eating or excessive exercising results in severe weight loss.

See also:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact causes of anorexia nervosa are unknown. Genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Risk factors include:

  • Being female
  • Eating and gastrointestinal problems during early childhood
  • Childhood anxiety
  • Increased concern or attention to weight and shape
  • Negative self-image
  • Accepting societal attitudes towards thinness
  • Perfectionism and other personality traits

Anorexia nervosa usually occurs in adolescence or young adulthood. It is more common in females. The eating disorder is seen mainly in Caucasian women who are high academic achievers and have a goal-oriented family or personality.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/15/2008
  • A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz Previously reviewed by Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/21/2007).

References

American Psychiatric Association. Treatment of patients with eating disorders, third edition. American Psychiatric Association. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jul;163(7 Suppl):4-54.

Marcus MD. Eating disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 238.

Morris J, Twaddle S. Anorexia nervosa. BMJ. 2007 Apr 28;334(7599):894-8.