Previous page

Definition: Anorexia (Anorexia nervosa)

Anorexia is an eating disorder characterised by voluntary starvation, often accompanied with a fear of being overweight, and an unrealistic self image of one's body. A person with anorexia will perceive their body size and weight to be much larger than it really is. Anorexia has been described as 'the relentless pursuit of thinness'.

In some cases extreme starvation in anorexia can lead to death when the vital organs pack up due to lack of nourishment.

Women are about ten times more likely to be anorexic than men.

Anorexia is often accompanied with other factors such as depression and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

See also bulimia.

Further information

* Something Fishy - Website for Anorexia and other Eating Disorders
Forum for people with or an interest in anorexia and other eating disorders.

* Narrative Approaches - Anorexia Archive
Information and articles on anorexia.

* Biting the Hand that Starves You - Anorexia/Bulimia
Book by Richard Maisel, David Epston, Ali Borden on overcoming anorexia.