Define Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa?

Table gives the American Psychiatric Association diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa. Although the manual does not use body mass index criterion of weight for anorexia, a BMI of less than 18 is considered the borderline for diagnosis. Amenorrhoea (absence or stopping of menstrual periods) is an invariable feature. An expressed intense fear of gaining weight even though the individual is underweight completes the diagnosis.

Table: Diagnostic criteria for Anorexia Nervosa

A restricting type or the binge/purging subtype of anorexia nervosa also exist. What is the difference between these two subtypes? Let us consider. During a current episode of anorexia nervosa, if the person has not regularly engaged in binge eating or purging behaviour, the individual may be diagnosed as the restricting type On the other hand, during the current episode of anorexia nervosa, if the person has regularly been engaged in binge eating and purging behaviour, the anorexia nervosa patient is binge/purge subtype. Though binge eating and purging are characteristic features of bulimia nervosa, as you will soon find out, low body weight is the major factor that differentiates bulimia nervosa from this subtype of anorexia nervosa, Thus according to the established diagnostic criteria, patients who are 15 percent below normal body weight and binge eat or purge are considered to have anorexia nervosa.