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Anorexia nervosa: the relentless pursuit of thinness
information provided by http://www.anred.com/
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Eating Disorder Index
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Person refuses to maintain normal body weight for age and height. |
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Weighs
85% or less than what is expected for age and height.
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In women, menstrual periods
stop. In men levels of sex hormones fall. |
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Young girls do not begin to menstruate
at the appropriate age
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Person denies
the dangers of low weight. |
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Is
terrified of becoming fat. |
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Is terrified of gaining weight
even though s/he is markedly underweight. |
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Reports feeling fat even when very thin.
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In
addition, anorexia nervosa often includes depression, irritability,
withdrawal, and peculiar behaviors such as compulsive rituals,
strange eating habits, and division of foods into "good/safe"
and "bad/dangerous" categories. Person may have low
tolerance for change and new situations; may fear growing up
and assuming adult responsibilities and an adult lifestyle.
May be overly engaged with or dependent on parents or family.
Dieting may represent avoidance of, or ineffective attempts
to cope with, the demands of a new life stage such as adolescence.
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