Chances are, if you are on this site now, you do not only know what anorexia nervosa is, you might even be knowledgeable enough to get a degree in anorexia! However, for those who do not know the clear definition and signs of anorexia, I am happy to share my knowledge of the disease with you in case: you are curious, think you may have anorexia or if you are worried about someone who may have it.
Anorexia Nervosa is a mental illness characterised by a plethora of psychological and physical symptoms which typically entail the following, according to the DSM IV ( a psychological disorder diagnostic tool / manual for doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists):
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A refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g. weight loss leading to a maintenance of body weight less than 85% of that expected, or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected).
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Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
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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.
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In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea, i.e. the absence of at least three or more consecutive menstrual cycles. (A woman is considered to have amenorrhea if her periods occur only following hormone, e.g. oestrogen, administration).
There are two types, restricting type and binge/purge subtype.
Restricting Type: during the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has not regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behaviour (i.e. self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas)
Binge-Eating/Purging Type: during the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behaviour (i.e. self induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas).