Anorexia (an-o-REK-see-uh) nervosa — often simply called anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of weight.
What is the literal meaning of anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia is a term of Greek origin: an- (ἀν-, prefix denoting negation) and orexis (ὄρεξις, “appetite”), translating literally to “a loss of appetite“; the adjective nervosa indicating the functional and non-organic nature of the disorder.
How does anorexia relate to psychology?
Anorexia is closely linked to perfectionism, depression, and suicidality. Although young women account for most cases, anorexia can affect anyone, at any time. But treatment can help individuals suffering from eating disorders make a lasting recovery.
What would be an example of anorexia nervosa?
You may see yourself as fat even though you have a very low body weight. With anorexia, you may use unusual eating habits to cope with stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Limiting food may give you a sense of control over your life. This problem affects more women than men.
What does anorexia mean in psychology? – Related Questions
What are the 2 main causes of anorexia?
The exact causes of anorexia nervosa are unknown. However, the condition sometimes runs in families; young women with a parent or sibling with an eating disorder are likelier to develop one themselves. Then there are psychological, environmental, and social factors that may contribute to the development of anorexia.
What are 4 characteristics of anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by emaciation, a relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a normal or healthy weight, a distortion of body image and intense fear of gaining weight, a lack of menstruation among girls and women, and extremely disturbed eating behavior.
What are the two types of anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia falls into 2 general types:
- Restricting type. People with this type of anorexia nervosa place severe restrictions on the quantity and type of food they consume.
- Binge eating/purging type.
- Atypical anorexia nervosa.
- Physical signs.
- Psychological signs.
- Behavioural signs.
What are 3 facts about anorexia nervosa?
- Between 1–5% of all female adolescents and young women suffer from anorexia.
- 33-50% of anorexia patients have a comorbid mood disorder such as depression.
- Half of anorexia patients have comorbid anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, or social phobias.
- 50-80% of anorexia is caused by genetics.
What are the 6 signs of anorexia nervosa?
Here are 9 common signs and symptoms of anorexia.
- Purging for Weight Control. Share on Pinterest.
- Obsession With Food, Calories and Dieting.
- Changes in Mood and Emotional State.
- Distorted Body Image.
- Excessive Exercise.
- Denial of Hunger and Refusal to Eat.
- Engaging in Food Rituals.
- Alcohol or Drug Abuse.
What is Anorexia Nervosa and who does it usually affect?
Anorexia nervosa, often called anorexia, is a type of eating disorder. People with anorexia eat so little that they have unhealthy weight loss and become dangerously thin. They may think they are overweight or fat even when they are underweight or thin. Anorexia affects more girls and women than boys and men.
What happens to the body in anorexia nervosa?
With weight loss, those with anorexia experience nutritional deprivation, resulting in physical changes in their hair, skin and nails. As starvation occurs, blood flow slows, resulting in intolerance to cold temperatures and a bluish tint in the tips of fingers and ears (Brown & Mehler, 2017).
Which is a characteristic of an individual who suffers from anorexia nervosa?
Having an intense fear of gaining weight. Being unable to realistically assess your body weight and shape (having a distorted self-image). Having an obsessive interest in food, calories and dieting. Feeling overweight or “fat,” even if you’re underweight.
What are 3 factors that could lead to anorexia?
Here are additional predisposing social factors that can lead to anorexia: Perfectionistic personality. Difficulty communicating negative emotions. Difficulty resolving conflict.
Which person is most likely to develop anorexia nervosa?
While eating disorders can occur in both men and women, females are as much as ten times more likely to develop anorexia or bulimia and 2.5 times more likely to experience binge eating disorder. This means simply that women and girls are at a higher risk for developing an eating disorder.
Who is most at risk of developing anorexia?
Age: Eating disorders are most common in the late teens and early 20s. Family history: If you have a parent or sibling with an eating disorder, you are more likely to have one yourself. Mental health issues: Eating disorders are more common among people with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder or depression.
Which personality trait is a risk factor for anorexia?
Personality traits such as neuroticism (emotional stability), obsessiveness, and perfectionism play a large role in facilitating some eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia. Research suggests that these traits are at least partially driven by genetics.
What personality type is most likely to have an eating disorder?
Individuals with certain personality traits such as perfectionism, the need for control, and impulsivity are predisposed to eating disorders however these certain personality traits along with many others have been shown to help individuals recover from anorexia nervosa, binge eating, and bulimia nervosa.
What is the most important characteristic of the anorexia nervosa?
The main sign is significant weight loss or low body weight. In atypical anorexia nervosa, the person may still have a moderate weight despite substantial weight loss. A lack of nutrients may lead to other physical signs and symptoms, including: severe loss of muscle mass.
What are 4 risks associated with anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia can lead to several short-term and long-term effects. Short-term health risks include weight loss, gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, dehydration, and hair loss, among others.
What are 5 facts about anorexia nervosa?
The Truth About Anorexia Nervosa: 5 Myths and 5 Facts
- Fact: Anorexia Can Be Caused by Many Things.
- Myth: Anorexia Is an Obsession With Thinness That Can Be Stopped.
- Fact: Dieting Can Lead to Eating Disorders.
- Myth: Anorexia Only Affects Straight, Young, White Women.
- Fact: Anorexia Causes Serious Medical Complications.
