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Anorexia Nervosa

Eating disorder defined by persistent energy restriction, intense fear of weight gain, and disturbance in self-perceived body weight/shape.

Also: AN

DSM-5 subtypes: restrictive (AN-R) and binge-eating/purging (AN-BP). Severity rated by BMI in adults or BMI percentile in youth. Lifetime prevalence ~1% in women, <0.5% in men, with growing recognition in atypical presentations and across genders. Mortality is the highest of any psychiatric disorder (~5% per decade). Treatment combines medical stabilization, nutrition rehabilitation, family-based therapy (especially in adolescents), and psychotherapy.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 22

    DSM-5 subtypes: restrictive (AN-R) and binge-eating/purging (AN-BP). Severity rated by BMI in adults or BMI percentile in youth. Lifetime prevalence ~1% in women, <0.5% in men, with growing recognition in atypical presentations and across genders. Mortality is the highest of any psychiatric disorder (~5% per decade). Treatment combines medical stabilization, nutrition rehabilitation, family-based therapy (especially in adolescents), and psychotherapy.

Related terms

ARFID, Bulimia Nervosa, Refeeding Syndrome