Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by a very rapid loss of weight, an abnormal fear and/or fascination with food and an obsession with body size and weight. Anorexia also incorporates low self-esteem. There is a great misperception of body size, of hunger, satiety, and other bodily sensations. They are often overachievers, compliant, and exhibit unusual amounts of anxiety, causing difficulty in decision-making. An anorexic will often want to cook and control others' eating while restricting their food intake. The person may isolate more and more by eating alone, by being moody and/or hostile. If the isolation is mentioned by family or friends, the anorexic may isolate even more.

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

• Substantial self-indulged weight loss (to less than 85% normal) or failure to gain normally, so result is less than 85% of healthy growth.
• Irrational (morbid) fear of fatness coupled with an /intense drive for thinness.
• Body image distortion and excessive reliance on weight or shape for self-esteem.
• Amenorrhea, loss of menses, for 3 months in females or decreased sexual drive in males.