Anorexia Nervosa: Core Features and the Drive for Thinness
Anorexia nervosa is defined by:
- Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements → significantly low body weight.
- Intense fear of gaining weight or persistent behavior interfering with weight gain.
- Disturbance in body perception: Undue influence of weight/shape on self-evaluation; denial of seriousness of low weight.
The drive for thinness is central—individuals cannot have anorexia without this overvaluation of thinness and fear of fatness. Behaviors include severe caloric restriction, excessive exercise, purging (vomiting, laxatives, diuretics), body checking, and ritualistic eating.
Medical Complications
- Cardiac: arrhythmias, hypotension, QT prolongation, sudden death
- Endocrine: amenorrhea, osteoporosis, thyroid suppression
- Electrolyte: hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia (refeeding)
- GI: gastroparesis, constipation, hepatic steatosis
- Neuro: cognitive impairment, brain volume loss
Treatment
Multidisciplinary: medical stabilization, nutritional rehabilitation, psychotherapy (CBT-E, FBT for adolescents), sometimes SSRIs for comorbid anxiety/depression. Early intervention improves prognosis. Seek specialized eating disorder care.
Anorexia - Related Articles
- Intolerance of Intolerance: A Philosophical Analysis
- Supporting Recovery: Understanding and Helping Someone with Anorexia
- Anorexia Nervosa Mortality in Australia: Royal Commission Findings (2003–2019)
- Anorexia Nervosa: Core Features and the Drive for Thinness
- Anorexia's Devastating Physical Effects: Malnutrition, Heart Problems, Electrolyte Imbalance, and More
- Greek Suffix -xia: Meaning, Origin, and Medical Examples
- Anorexia Nervosa & Digestive Health: The Connection