According to ICD-11, Anorexia Nervosa is a disorder characterised by deliberate weight loss, induced and sustained by the patient. There must be clear concerns from the individual regarding their weight and shape, with a fear of becoming fat as an intrusive overvalued idea. Patients may have weight or calorie goals in mind and are often determined to achieve this no matter what, and regardless of the impact on their physical health.

It is important to keep in mind weight control by other compensatory measures, such as excessive exercise, laxative use, or vomiting.

Anorexia features

• most things low
• G's and C's raised: growth hormone, glucose, salivary glands, cortisol, cholesterol, carotinaemia

Epidemiology:

• At any given point in time between 0.3-0.4% of young women and 0.1% of young men will suffer from anorexia nervosa

Aetiology

Anorexia Nervosa is not attributable to a single causative factor. It often results from complex biological, psychological and social problems, but known predisposing or precipitating factors include dieting, maternal encouragement of weight loss, family history of eating disorders, adolescent period, personal history of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorders, perfectionist traits, and at-risk professions such as sportspeople, dancers or models.

Features

• Weight loss - not due to another cause
• core cognitions
  • fear of fatness/drive for thinness
  • body image disparagement
• behavioural change directed at weight loss
  • dietery restrictions
  • over exercise
  • self induced vomitting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills
• amenorrhoea

Signs:

• reduced body mass index