Introduction to AN

Question 1

What are the 4 main clinical characteristics of AN?

Answer 1

1) Anxiety
2) Weight
3) Body-image distortion
4) Amenorrhoea

Question 2

Explain what is meant by anxiety in terms of the clinical characteristics of AN

Answer 2

Excessive fear of being fat

Question 3

Explain what is meant by weight in terms of the clinical characteristics of AN

Answer 3

Weight loss is classed as abnormal when it drops below 85% of the individual’s normal weight based on age and height - develop unusual eating habits like avoiding food and meals or carefully weighing and portioning food - may repeatedly check body weight and engage in techniques to control weight like compulsive exercise

Question 4

Explain what is meant by body-image distortion in terms of the clinical characteristics of AN

Answer 4

Do not see own thinness and deny the seriousness of low body weight - often continue to see themselves as fat despite bones being visible - thinness is vital to their self-esteem

Question 5

Explain what is meant by amenorrhoea in terms of the clinical characteristics of AN

Answer 5

The cessation of menstrual periods - more than 3 months is clinical characteristic - caused by inadequate nutrition

Question 6

Name the 7 causes of general physical decline for AN

Answer 6

1) Amenorrhoea
2) Low blood pressure
3) Dry and cracking skin
4) Constipation
5) Insufficient sleep
6) Depression and low self-esteem
7) Up to 20% of cases of clinical AN are fatal

Question 7

What BMI is classed as clinical AN?

Answer 7

A BMI below 18.5 is an indicator and below 15 is clinical - it changes from a diet into an autonomous disorder when BMI equal to or below 15

Question 8

What is the problem with using BMI for the diagnosis of AN?

Answer 8

BMI is only an indicator, must be accompanied by distorted body image, abnormal relationship with food, morbid fear of gaining weight, cessation of periods (3 months) and denial there is a problem