Anorexia nervosa

A diagnosis of anorexia nervosa requires all four of the following:

• Body weight 15% below expected, or body mass index <17.5 kg/m^2
• Self-induced weight loss (by dieting, exercising, vomiting, etc.)
• Morbid fear of being fat (an overvalued idea rather than a delusion)
• Endocrine disturbance (e.g. amenorrhoea, pubertal delay or lanugo hair)

The incidence of anorexia is 4 per 100000, with a peak at age 18 years. Around 10% of cases of anorexia occur in males. Risk factors include being Caucasian, high social class, academic prowess, and interests such as ballet or modelling. Other common features are anaemia, expressing a high interest in preparing or buying food, feeling tired and cold, bradycardia, and hypotension. Treatment options include cognitive-behavioural therapy/supportive therapy and raising calorie intake. Hospitalisation is indicated if there is a weight loss of over 35%. Around 50% of people with anorexia nervosa eventually recover completely. The mortality rate is 5%, usually from starvation or suicide.

An = without

Orexe = appetite.

Cachexia or wasting syndrome is loss of weight, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and significant loss of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight.