Core Disorders & Distinctions Anorexia Nervosa (AN): Characterized by severe restriction of nutritional intake, extreme fear of weight gain, and severely distorted body image. Clients fail to recognize the illness, have an early onset (ages 14-18), and are significantly underweight. Subtypes include restricting (fasting/exercising) and binge-eating/purging. Bulimia Nervosa (BN): Involves recurrent, secretive binging followed by compensatory behaviors like purging, extreme exercise, or laxative use. Onset is later (ages 18-19), and clients are typically at a normal weight. Unlike AN, clients with BN recognize the pathology and experience immense shame and guilt.

High-Yield Medical Complications

• AN: Amenorrhea, cold sensitivity/lanugo, bradycar ...