Anorexia nervosa : diagnostic criteria

Anorexia Nervosa is a complex and potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a severe restriction of food intake, and a distorted body image. Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa typically maintain a body weight that is below the minimum normal range for their age and height, and they often have an obsessive concern with their body shape and weight.

This condition is more prevalent in females, with its onset commonly occurring during late adolescence and early adulthood. Epidemiological studies have shown varying prevalence rates, ranging from 0.3% to 1% in some studies, while European studies have reported higher rates of 2% to 4%. These rates appear consistent across various cultures, ethnicities, and races. It's important to note that according to CKS

1. How Common It Is in Women: If we look at women over their entire lifetime, between 2 to 4 out of every 100 women are reported to experience Anorexia nervosa. This shows it's relatively uncommon, but still a notable health issue among women.

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3. Incidence Rates: The incidence rate tells us how many new cases of Anorexia nervosa appear over a certain time. For females, there are about 4.2 to 12.6 new cases per...