What is the Difference Between Anorexia and Anorexia Nervosa?

The main difference between anorexia and anorexia nervosa lies in their definitions and causes.

• Anorexia: This term is used to describe the loss of appetite or the inability to eat, which can be caused by various health conditions. It is a general term that refers to a lack of appetite, which can be a symptom of many different illnesses.
• Anorexia Nervosa: This is an eating disorder in which a person intentionally limits their food intake in an effort to lose weight or prevent weight gain. It is a specific mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and severe restrictions on food intake. A person with anorexia nervosa often engages in excessive exercise, extreme diet patterns, or self-induced vomiting to maintain a low body weight.

In summary, anorexia is a general term referring to the loss of appetite or the inability to eat, while anorexia nervosa is a specific eating disorder with psychological factors that lead to self-imposed restrictions on food intake.

Comparative Table: Anorexia vs Anorexia Nervosa

The terms "anorexia" and "anorexia nervosa" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:

In summary, while both terms involve a reduction in appetite or food intake, anorexia is a general symptom that can be caused by various health conditions, whereas anorexia nervosa is a specific, diagnosable psychological disorder with a distinct set of criteria.