Anorexia Nervosa (Restricting Subtype)
- Self-induced starvation to less than or equal to 85% of normal weight
- Irrational fear of becoming fat
- Hypoganadism
- in women: amenorrhea for 3 months
- in men: decreased libido; decreased sexual drive
- Distortion of body image*
Anorexia Nervosa (Bulimic Subtype)
- All criteria for the restricting subtype, as above
- Binge eating twice/week for 3 months, on average
- Or, purging (vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse) or other compensation
(fasting, over-exercise) to avoid weight gain*
Bulimia Nervosa**
- Binge eating twice/week for 3 months
- Purging (vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse) to avoid weight gain*
- Irrational fear of becoming fat
- Weight normal or high
- Distortion of body image*
- Note 20% do not purge but follow binges with self-starvation or compulsive
exercise.
* Found in many patients, but not a
diagnostic criterion
** Note: many cases do not fit strictly into one of
these categories, which are somewhat narrow, but may be equally serious
and respond just as well to treatment. Example: weight loss of greater
than 15% with continued menstrual periods; binge-eating less than twice
a week. These cases are called "sub-syndromal", "atypical", or "eating
disorder not otherwise specified" (EDNOS) by the current formal but overly
rigid classification.
Previous Page | Title Page
|
|
