Update and review of anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is not a new disease but it has become increasingly recognized and occurs more frequently in adolescent girls and young women. Among older women, its incidence has remained constant. Scientific evidence suggests that dieting triggers a process of catastrophic weight loss in persons who are psychologically and physiologically vulnerable. Long-term studies are demonstrating diverse outcomes ranging from full recovery to chronicity and death. Treatment is often based on unproven theory and on short-term goals. Research studies comparing the effects of different treatment regimens are needed.