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Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder dominated by low self-esteem and a distorted perception of one's body image. The anorexic fears nothing more than they fear gaining weight, and will stop at nothing to prevent it. The take extreme action in an effort to control the situation. Even though they are actually losing control, they enter into this behavior guided by the overwhelming belief that losing weight will be the solution to all of their problems.
Behavioral signs linked to anorexia nervosa include:
- Counting fat grams and calories
- Purposely starving one's self
- Use or abuse of diet pills, laxatives or diuretics
- Purging or self-induced vomiting
- Excessive interest in body image
According to the International Journal of Eating Disorders, anorexia's mortality rate is 10%. In other words, 1 in every 10 anorexics will die as a result of the disorder-a staggering figure for a psychiatric diagnosis, especially when you learn that anorexics share their mortality rate with a potentially heavyweight disease like West Nile Virus.
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Eating Disorders Online: Anorexia Nervosa
