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Questions and Answers
What is the term for a distorted self-body image in individuals with anorexia nervosa?
What is the term for a distorted self-body image in individuals with anorexia nervosa?
What is the meaning of the term 'anorexia' in Greek?
What is the meaning of the term 'anorexia' in Greek?
What is a key characteristic of individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
What is a key characteristic of individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa?
What is the difference between anorexia and anorexia nervosa?
What is the difference between anorexia and anorexia nervosa?
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What are the physical effects of anorexia nervosa on the body?
What are the physical effects of anorexia nervosa on the body?
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What is a key characteristic of the restricting type of anorexia nervosa?
What is a key characteristic of the restricting type of anorexia nervosa?
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What is a physical symptom of anorexia nervosa?
What is a physical symptom of anorexia nervosa?
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Who is most at risk for developing anorexia nervosa?
Who is most at risk for developing anorexia nervosa?
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What is required for diagnosing anorexia nervosa?
What is required for diagnosing anorexia nervosa?
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What is a contributing factor that increases the risk of developing anorexia nervosa?
What is a contributing factor that increases the risk of developing anorexia nervosa?
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What is a key factor in determining the prognosis of anorexia nervosa?
What is a key factor in determining the prognosis of anorexia nervosa?
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What is a potential health outcome for someone with anorexia nervosa?
What is a potential health outcome for someone with anorexia nervosa?
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What is typically the first line of treatment for anorexia nervosa?
What is typically the first line of treatment for anorexia nervosa?
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What is a goal of therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa?
What is a goal of therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa?
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Why may hospitalization be necessary for those with anorexia nervosa?
Why may hospitalization be necessary for those with anorexia nervosa?
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Study Notes
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental illness and eating disorder characterized by body dysmorphia, fear of weight gain, and an obsessive desire to lose weight and avoid food.
- Body dysmorphia is a distorted self-body image, where individuals perceive their body as larger than it actually is.
Classification and Diagnosis
- AN is medically classified as "anorexic" and is distinct from the medical condition "anorexia," which is weight loss and wasting secondary to an illness.
- Diagnosis requires a combination of psychological assessments and physical examinations to rule out medical conditions that may cause anorexia.
- Diagnostic criteria for AN include body dysmorphia, intentional food restriction, and a phobia of weight gain.
Types of Anorexia Nervosa
- There are two types of AN: binge-eating type and restricting type.
- Binge-eating type involves limiting caloric intake, followed by self-induced vomiting to achieve a sense of calm.
- Restricting type involves severe limitations on caloric intake, with no episodes of binge-eating or self-induced vomiting.
Physical Symptoms
- Extreme weight loss, dizziness, abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure, and fatigue are common physical symptoms of AN.
- These symptoms result from low-calorie and low-nutrient intake, which can lead to hair loss, skin changes, and tooth enamel erosion.
Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms
- Fear of weight gain, distorted body image, repeated dieting, fasting, skipping meals, obsession with food, and excessive exercise are common behavioral and emotional symptoms of AN.
- Mood symptoms such as flat affect, irritability, and social withdrawal may also occur.
Risk Factors
- Teenage girls and women under 40 are at the highest risk of developing AN, although it can affect anyone.
- Contributing factors include genetics, cultural influences, recent stressful events, and repeated dieting.
Treatment and Recovery
- AN treatment involves a team approach by medical professionals, including doctors, nutritionists, and therapists, with the goal of restoring a healthy weight and addressing underlying psychological issues.
- Medications are not typically the first line of treatment, and medical interventions include monitoring overall health, nutrition counseling, and therapy.
- Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases, providing a supportive environment for recovery.
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Description
Learn about anorexia nervosa, a mental illness characterized by body dysmorphia, fear of weight gain, and an obsessive desire to lose weight. Understand the concept of body dysmorphia and its effects on individuals.
