The lack of awareness about atypical anorexia.
Atypical anorexia is a relatively new term used to describe a subset of individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) who do not fit the typical low weight criteria for diagnosis, and thus may be overlooked and receive delayed or inadequate treatment. Individuals with atypical anorexia may be of normal weight, overweight, or obese and still experience intense fear of weight gain, body dysmorphic preoccupation with physical appearance and body shape, and disturbances in eating behaviors and weight-related habits.
AN is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. AN typically begins during adolescence and young adulthood, and is more common in females than males, with a sex ratio of 10:1. However, the incidence of AN in males is thought to be increasing. The diagnostic criteria for AN, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), requires that an individual be restricting energy intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly low body weight (i.e., weight loss of at least 15 percent of expected body weight). The individual must also have an intense fear of weight gain or becoming fat, or persistent behaviors that interfere with weight gain, even though they are underweight. Finally, the individual must display a disturbance in the way in which their 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 their low body weight.
Though the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for AN require a significantly low body weight, recent research suggests that a subset of individuals with AN do not meet this criterion, yet still experience similar psychopathology and disturbances in eating behaviors. This subgroup of individuals is typically referred to as having atypical AN (A-AN). A-AN was first described in a case series of 14 girls and women with AN who were overweight or obese, yet continued to exhibit symptoms of AN. These individuals met all other DSM-5 criteria for AN with the exception of having a significantly low body weight.
A-AN is thought to be a relatively new phenomenon, and thus little is known about its etiology, prevalence, or course. However, some researchers have suggested that A-AN may be more common than previously thought and may be increasing in prevalence due to the current cultural focus on thinness and the pressures placed on individuals, particularly women, to maintain a low body weight. A-AN has also been associated with certain comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which may present unique challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of this population.
Despite the lack of awareness and understanding of A-AN, it is important to remember that this is a serious condition that can have significant mental and physical health consequences. Individuals with A-AN may be at risk for the same complications as those with AN, such as electrolyte imbalances, amenorrhea, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal complications. A-AN is also associated with increased psychological distress and increased suicide risk. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of A-AN, it is important to seek professional help. Learn more
emerging research on atypical anorexia.
The media portrays anorexia as a “white girl’s disease”, but new research is emerging that suggests that atypical anorexia is much more common than previously thought. Atypical anorexia is a subtype of anorexia nervosa that is characterized by less severe weight loss, a lack of amenorrhea, and a higher pre-occupation with binge eating and purging behaviors (bulimia nervosa).
Recent studies suggest that atypical anorexia is actually the most common subtype of anorexia nervosa, affecting up to 70% of people with the disorder. Moreover, atypical anorexia is not just a “white girl’s disease” – research suggests that it is equally common among men and women of all races and ethnicities.
The cause of atypical anorexia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment for atypical anorexia typically includes a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and medication.
If you or someone you love is struggling with atypical anorexia, know that you are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about atypical anorexia. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.
