Anorexia Nervosa Diagnosis: Who Can Help?

Anorexia is typically diagnosed by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care physician. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides criteria for diagnosing anorexia nervosa. These criteria include:

- Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly low body weight (less than 85% of the expected weight for age and height).

- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, or persistent behavior that interferes with weight gain.

- Disturbance in the way body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of weight or shape on self-evaluation, or persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the current low body weight.