anorexia nervosa
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to self-imposed starvation and excessive weight loss. It is classified as a psychiatric condition.
Usage
The term is used as a medical and psychological diagnosis. It refers specifically to the disorder itself. - She was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa at age sixteen. - The hospital has a specialized unit for treating anorexia nervosa.
Advanced Usage
- The disorder is often referred to simply as "anorexia" in non-medical contexts, though technically "anorexia" alone can mean a general loss of appetite from any cause.
- It is frequently discussed in the context of "eating disorders," alongside bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
Variants and Related Words
- Anorexic (adjective): Relating to or suffering from anorexia nervosa.
- She is receiving treatment for anorexic behaviors.
- Anorexic (noun, sometimes considered offensive): A person who has anorexia nervosa. Use "person with anorexia" is often preferred.
- Anorexia (noun): The common short form, or the medical term for loss of appetite.
Synonyms
- Eating disorder (this is the broader category)
- Self-starvation (descriptive term, not a clinical synonym)
Related Phrases/Idioms
There are no common idioms using this clinical term. It is used literally.
Noun
- (psychiatry) a psychological disorder characterized by somatic delusions that you are too fat despite being emaciated