Anorexia

The defining feature of anorexia is the strong and persistent desire to lose weight. To this end, anorectics use a variety of measures: they limit the uptake of foodstuffs, they try to expend energy by being very active and exercising as much as possible, and they may use laxatives and diuretics. Purging may also occur. The diagnostic criteria for anorexia include underweight (less than 85% of normal weight), fear of putting on weight, a distorted perception of the own body, the absence of menorrhoea, and an undue influence of weight and body perception on self-confidence.

As in bulimia, anorexia often starts with a diet. The resulting weight loss provides a momentarily better self-confidence and is often reinforced by positive, commendatory remarks by other people. Consequently, the person tries to enhance the newly found self-image by further reducing eating, sometimes to the point where one is obsessed with counting calories, slowing eating down and eating minute meals (e.g. half a strawberry). Finally, weight reduction may become the sole purpose in life.

The main group of anorectic patients consists of young women and girls; the typical age of onset is during puberty. Although female patients outnumber males by a factor of 10, there are reports that anorectic behaviour in young men is on the rise. Among the groups that are particularly at risk are models, dancers and athletes who have to reduce weight to be allowed to compete in a certain weight class.

Anorexia is a disorder that is not only associated with further mental problems, such as depression, but also with psychosocial consequences and serious, sometimes lethal health impairment. The fatality rate is approximately 10%.