What is the main issue for adolescents with anorexia?

C Somatoform disorders are characterized by physical symptoms that suggest a medical condition but cannot be fully explained by a general medical condition, another mental disorder, or substance use. Individuals with somatoform disorders often experience distress or impairment due to these symptoms despite medical reassurance that no physical cause can be found.

A. Dysthymia is a type of persistent depressive disorder characterized by a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. It typically involves emotional and behavioral symptoms rather than physical symptoms without clinical findings.

B. Body dysmorphic disorder involves a preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others. While it involves body image concerns, it does not manifest as physical symptoms in the absence of objective findings.

D. Major depressive disorder primarily involves mood disturbances such as sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in appetite or sleep. While physical symptoms like fatigue and changes in weight can occur, they are not typically reported persistently without objective clinical findings as seen in somatoform disorders.

D. Body image disturbance is a fundamental issue in anorexia nervosa. Adolescents with anorexia often have a distorted perception of their body size and shape, seeing themselves as overweight even when significantly underweight. This distorted body image drives their obsessive behaviors around food restriction and excessive exercise in an attempt to achieve an unrealistic and unhealthy body image.

A. While adolescents with anorexia may exhibit behaviors related to food restriction, excessive exercise, or other rituals, the core issue goes beyond simply adhering to appropriate behavior. Anorexia nervosa is driven by deep-seated fears, anxieties, and perceptions related to body image and weight.

B. Control is a central issue in anorexia nervosa. Adolescents often use strict control over food intake and exercise as a way to manage overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. By controlling their food intake and weight, individuals with anorexia may seek to regain a sense of mastery and control over their lives amidst other stressors.

C. Anxiety is a common comorbidity in individuals with anorexia nervosa, but it is not the primary issue. Anxiety often stems from fears related to weight gain, body image dissatisfaction, and the perceived loss of control. Anxiety exacerbates the obsessive thoughts and behaviors around food and weight seen in anorexia nervosa.