Anorexic Disorder
The disorder is characterized by weight loss and self-starvation, resulting in a low body mass index relative to a person’s height and age. Other than opioid use disorder, the psychiatric disorder with the greatest mortality rate is anorexia. Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 for their height.
In this condition, dieting is motivated by the dread of gaining weight or becoming obese. The behavior of anorexics seems inconsistent with their stated desire to acquire weight. For instance, they may consume a modest amount of low-calorie foods and engage in excessive exercise. Additionally, there are individuals with anorexia nervosa who binge consume or purge intermittently through vomiting or laxative abuse.
Anorexia nervosa is subdivided into two subtypes:
Restrictive type – In this subtype, an individual loses weight predominantly through fasting, dieting, or excessive exercise. Individuals with restricting anorexia nervosa are very particular about the type and amount of food they ingest. They typically begin counting calories and limiting certain foods (such as proteins and carbohydrates). They may also begin to adhere to certain obsessive norms, such as consuming foods of a specific flavor or color.
Binge eating – Individuals with binge eating types of anorexia nervosa also place food-related restrictions, but are typically accompanied by binge eating and purging.
Consuming excessive food (calories) constitutes binge dining. The afflicted individual then compensates for this overeating by purging (via vomiting or the use of laxatives, enemas, and diuretics).
