What are the symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
For those with Anorexia Nervosa, the goal of maintaining a thin body becomes the very centerpiece of existence, a value that takes precedence over everything else, including health, survival, sex, and even being beautiful. The DSM-IV specifies two subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa – Restricting and Binge-Eating/Purging. Those with the Restricting type diet to limit their caloric intake; in the Binge-Eating/Purging type, they reply on purging. Unlike individuals with Bulimia, the Binge-eating-purging anorexic binges on relatively small amounts of food and purges more consistently, in some cases each time she eats. Approximately half the individuals who meet the criteria for Anorexia engage in binge eating and purging. Early signs may include withdrawal from family and friends, increased sensitivity to criticism, sudden increased interest in physical activity, anxiety or depressive symptoms.
