Anorexia Nervosa Flashcards
how many criteria are there for AN
3
criterion A for AN
restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a singificantly LOW BODY WEIGHT in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory and physical health
how do you define “significantly low weight” in AN
a weight that is less than minimally normal or, for kids and teens, less than minimally expected
criterion B for AN
INTENSE FEAR of gaining weight or of becoming fat or persistent behaviour that interferes with weight gain, even though at significantly low weight
criterion C for AN
disturbance in the way in which ones body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self evaluation, or persistent lack of recognition of the seriousness of the low body weight
what are the subtypes of AN that should be specified (using DSM specifiers)
- restricting type
2. binge eating/purging type
what is the definition of AN, restricting type
during the last THREE MONTHS, the individual has NOT engaged in recurrent episodes of binge eating or purging behaviour (i.e self induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas)
–> this subtype describes presentations in which weight loss is accomplisged primarily through DIETING, FASTING, and/or EXCESSIVE EXERCISE
what is the time criterion for AN
three months
what is the definition of AN, binge/purge subtype
during the last THREE MONTHS, the individual HAS engaged in recurrent episodes of binge eating or purging behaviour
what is purging behaviour
self induced vomiting
misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas
what is the definition of AN, in partial remission
after full criteria for AN were PREVIOUSLY met, criterion A (low body weight) has NOT been met for a sustained period
BUT, either criterion B or C is still met
what is the definition of AN, in full remission
after the full criteria were previously met, none of the three criteria have been met for a sustained period of time
what measure does the DSM use to rate the severity of AN
BMI (adults) BMI percentile (kids/teens)
- derived from WHO categories for thinness in adults
- the level of severity may be increased to reflect clinical symptoms, the degree of functional disability and the need for supervision
define mild AN
BMI above to equal to 17
define moderate AN
BMI 16-16.99
define severe AN
BMI 15-15.99
define extreme AN
BMI less than 15
what is the unit of measurement for BMI
kg/m2
do those with the binge/purge subtype with AN always display both binging and purging
no
most with this subtype who binge eat ALSO purge
but there are some people who purge but do not binge eat
is there crossover between AN subtypes?
yes, this is common
thus, subtypes should be sued to describe current symptoms rather than longitudinal course
what are the 3 essential features of AN
- persistent energy intake restriction
- intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, or persistent behaviour that interferes with weight gain
- a disturbance in self perceived weight or shape
what does BMI describe
the relationship between someones weight and height
what is the lower limit of normal for normal body weight
BMI of 18.5 kg/m2
do you have to be underweight to be dx with AN?
yes–> criterion A
are there situations in which someone with a BMI from 17-18.5 (or even above 18.5) would be considered to have significantly low weight?
yes, if clinical history or other physiological information supports this judgment
what is the standard lower limit of normal for children (when using BMI-for-age percentile)
BMI-for-age percentile BELOW the 5th percentile –> suggests the child is underweight
*however, kids/teens above this benchmark may be considered underweight in light of failure to maintain expected growth trajectory
what should the clinician consider when deciding if a patient is significant underweight?
- available numerical guidelines (i.e BMI or BMI-for-age percentile)
- individuals body build, weight history, physiological disturbances
is the intense fear of becoming fat seen in AN alleviated by weight loss?
typically no
–> in fact, concern about weight gain may INCREASE even as weight falls
(adolescents and some adults may not recognize, or may not acknowledge, a fear of weight gain)
how might body image be distorted in those with AN
some feel globally overweight
others recognize they are thin but have persistent concern about certain body parts being “too fat” i.e buttocks, thighs, abdomen
might employ multiple techniques to measure and evaluate body shape/size
how might weight loss vs weight gain be perceived by those with AN
weight loss viewed as impressive achievement, sign of extraordinary self discipline
weight gain perceived as unacceptable failure of self control