What are the 2 subtypes of anorexia?
There are two main types of anorexia nervosa: restricting (AN-R) and binge eating and purging (AN-BP). People with the restrictive subtype have severe fears about weight gain and are unable to maintain a minimally normal weight. They may also engage in extreme dieting and exercise regimens to prevent weight gain.
These individuals are very concerned about their appearance, and their feelings about their body shape can have a significant impact on how they evaluate themselves and their relationship with others. This can lead to a variety of psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety and self-harm.
The symptoms of anorexia nervosa include low body weight, distorted body image, and intense fear of gaining weight. These symptoms are associated with a number of medical complications and can even cause death in rare cases.
In contrast, bulimia nervosa involves binge eating episodes followed by behaviors to stop or control weight gain, such as vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, and exercising excessively. It can be difficult for people with bulimia to control their eating behaviors and their thoughts about food, and it often leads to physical complications such as esophageal rupture and gastric bleeding.
Restricting-type anorexia typically begins in adolescence and early adulthood, but it can develop at any age. This condition is usually accompanied by other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and can result in poor self-esteem and an inability to meet social expectations.
Binge eating and purging, on the other hand, is a less severe form of anorexia nervosa that may begin in childhood. It is more common in men than women, and it often occurs with other health issues such as celiac disease and other food allergies or intolerances.
People who have this type of anorexia nervosa tend to be thin, but they have a fear of gaining weight and are unable to maintain a minimally acceptable weight. They often have a negative body image, are obsessed with weight and appearance and restrict their intake of food to the point that they are starving themselves.
The risk of a person developing anorexia nervosa is higher among those who have certain personality traits, such as perfectionism and rule-driven behavior. These characteristics can increase the risk of a person developing anorexia by 7 times.
A study from King’s College London found that women who had these traits had a significantly higher chance of developing anorexia than women who did not have them. These researchers analyzed a large sample of people with full or subthreshold anorexia and identified a set of personality characteristics that were predictive of an eating disorder.
In addition to a tendency toward perfection and compulsive behavior, this group of people was also more likely than those without these traits to be overly critical and to be more worried about their appearance. They were also more prone to substance abuse and to experience frequent mood swings.
It is important to note that anorexia nervosa can be treated successfully with proper diagnosis and care. There are many treatment options available to help those with the disorder, including antidepressants and other medications that can reduce anxiety and depression.
