Anorexia is considered a _______ disorder
physical
social
predatory
psychological***
Right.
Anorexia is considered a psychological disorder. To determine this, we can analyze the symptoms and characteristics of anorexia nervosa, which is an eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even when a person is significantly underweight. People with anorexia often have a distorted body image and engage in severe restrictions of food intake, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.
The classification of anorexia as a psychological disorder is based on several factors. First, the primary symptoms of anorexia, such as the fear of gaining weight and distorted body image, are rooted in a person's thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions. These thoughts influence their behaviors related to food intake and weight control.
Second, anorexia often coexists with other psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This comorbidity reinforces the understanding that anorexia is primarily a psychological condition.
Lastly, treatments for anorexia typically involve psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy, alongside medical and nutritional support. These therapeutic approaches aim to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the disorder and promote psychological healing and well-being.
In summary, anorexia is considered a psychological disorder due to its association with distorted body image, the influence of cognitive factors on behavior, comorbidity with other psychological conditions, and the use of psychological therapies as part of treatment.