Which of the following is not a symptom of anorexia nervosa? Select one: a. refusal to maintain normal body weight for age and height b. weight at 85% or less than expected for a.ge and height c. intense fear of weight gain d. repeated episodes of bingeing and purging

d. repeated episodes of bingeing and purging

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a refusal to maintain a normal body weight for age and height (a), having a weight that is less than 85% of what is expected for age and height (b), and an intense fear of gaining weight (c). These are considered to be key features of anorexia nervosa. However, repeated episodes of bingeing and purging are not a symptom of anorexia nervosa, but rather of a different eating disorder, known as bulimia nervosa. While some individuals with anorexia nervosa may engage in purging behaviors, the presence of regular binge-eating episodes followed by purging would suggest bulimia nervosa or the binge-eating/purging type of anorexia nervosa, rather than the restrictive type of anorexia nervosa which does not involve binge-eating.

Extra: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves an obsessive fear of weight gain and a refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight. People with anorexia typically have a distorted body image and often deny the severity of their low body weight. There are two types of anorexia nervosa: the restrictive type, where individuals severely limit their food intake, and the binge-eating/purging type, where individuals may binge eat and then purge through vomiting or using laxatives, but this does not occur as recurrently as in bulimia nervosa.

In contrast, bulimia nervosa is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging (self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives/diuretics), fasting, or excessive exercise. Individuals with bulimia tend to maintain a body weight that is normal or above normal for their age and height, which can sometimes make the disorder less visibly apparent than anorexia nervosa. It is important to note that eating disorders can have serious health consequences and individuals experiencing symptoms should seek professional help.