In youth, eating disorders are commonly manifested as which disorders?

In youth, eating disorders are commonly manifested as which disorders?

• A. Generalized anxiety disorder
• B. Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa
• C. Tic disorders
• D. Mood disorders

Answer: (B)

Eating disorders in adolescence are most clearly shown through disordered eating patterns and concerns about weight and body shape, specifically anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa involves severe restriction of intake and an intense fear of gaining weight, often with a distorted body image and extremely low weight. Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging or excessive exercising, to prevent weight gain. These patterns are the defining features and primary presentations clinicians look for in youths. While anxiety, mood issues, or tic disorders can accompany eating disorders, they do not define the eating-disorder presentation itself.

Eating disorders in adolescence are most clearly shown through disordered eating patterns and concerns about weight and body shape, specifically anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa involves severe restriction of intake and an intense fear of gaining weight, often with a distorted body image and extremely low weight. Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as purging or excessive exercising, to prevent weight gain. These patterns are the defining features and primary presentations clinicians look for in youths. While anxiety, mood issues, or tic disorders can accompany eating disorders, they do not define the eating-disorder presentation itself.