Anorexia is officially classified into two subtypes, a restrictive type and a type of binge-eating and purging. These are known as anorexia nervosa subtypes, and understanding these subtypes helps guide diagnosis and treatment planning. The formal term used in diagnostic manuals for the restrictive type is anorexia nervosa restricting type. The diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, including the subtypes, are outlined in the statistical manual published by the American Psychiatric Association. Atypical anorexia nervosa is a subtype of other specific eating or eating disorders (OSFED). A person with atypical anorexia nervosa will meet all criteria for anorexia nervosa; however, despite significant weight loss, the person’s weight is within or above the normal BMI range. Atypical anorexia nervosa is serious and life-threatening, and will have effects and complications similar to those of anorexia nervosa.
Narrow subtypes were created based on the appearance of any self-reported symptoms of binge eating and purging in the past month. The restricting subtype is characterized by severe food restriction, significantly low body weight, and often compulsive exercise as a means of weight control. These findings do not support the validity or clinical utility of classifying AN into narrower subtypes based on current binge eating, purging, and binge eating with purging, as little difference was found between groups reporting any combination of current binge eating and purging. The purging subtype is defined by behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, and sometimes the use of a diet pill or diet pills to influence weight. Although these inconsistent findings potentially question the validity of the DSM-5 subtyping scheme, they may alternatively result from heterogeneity within AN subtypes. In summary, these findings do not support the validity or usefulness of reducing AN subtypes based on subclassifications of different types of bulimic symptoms, but they do provide empirical support for the subtype classification specified in DSM-5. Most individuals associate anorexia with the restricting subtype, which involves severe food restriction and excessive exercise without regular binge eating or purging.
which is characterized by severe limitation of food as the main means of losing weight. Therefore, the identification of significant subtypes is a potentially useful strategy for improving treatment efficacy. This study examined the usefulness of reducing subtypes of AN to restricting only binge eating, only purging and binge eating accompanied by purging. A person with this subtype of anorexia nervosa severely restricts energy intake and has also participated in recurrent episodes of binge eating or purging behaviors (e.
Future research is needed to reproduce these findings and further examine the subtype classification schemes of AN). Atypical anorexia nervosa is a subtype of other specific eating or eating disorders (OSFED) in which a person’s body weight remains in the normal weight range despite significant weight loss due to limited energy intake.
Introduction to Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve unhealthy patterns of eating, such as restrictive eating, binge eating, or purging behaviors. These disorders can lead to significant weight loss, serious medical complications, and emotional distress. Among the most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Each of these conditions can have life-altering consequences if left untreated, affecting both physical health and mental well-being. Recognizing the symptoms—such as drastic changes in eating habits, preoccupation with weight, and extreme concern about body shape—is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. Understanding eating disorders is the first step toward supporting those affected and helping them on the path to recovery.
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder marked by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted perception of body image. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often engage in restrictive eating, drastically limiting their food intake to lose weight or prevent weight gain. This behavior can result in significant weight loss and a dangerously low body mass index (BMI). The physical consequences of anorexia nervosa are serious and can include low blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, and even osteoporosis. In addition to these medical complications, the disorder is associated with a persistent body image disturbance, where individuals see themselves as overweight even when they are underweight. Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt attention and treatment to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.
The Two Subtypes of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is divided into two main subtypes: the restricting type and the binge-eating/purging type. The restricting type is characterized by severe limitation of food intake, leading to significant weight loss without regular engagement in binge eating or purging behaviors. Individuals with this subtype often achieve weight control through restrictive eating, excessive exercise, or skipping meals. In contrast, the binge-eating/purging type involves recurrent episodes where the individual may binge eat—consuming large amounts of food in a short period—and then engage in purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, or diuretics to prevent weight gain. Recognizing the differences between these two subtypes is essential for developing effective treatment strategies, as each may require a tailored approach to address the specific eating disorder behaviors and underlying psychological factors.
