Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
04:19
A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Orthorexia nervosa in the general population: a preliminary screening using a self-administered questionnaire
C E Ramacciotti1, P Perrone, E Coli
1Department of Psychiatry, Pharmacology, Neurobiology and Biotechnologies, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy. c.ramacciotti@psico.med.unipi.it
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|October 13, 2011
Summary
Orthorexia nervosa, a disorder of distorted eating habits, affects over half the population using a 40-point threshold. Further research is needed to understand its health risks and diagnostic criteria.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Orthorexia nervosa is a newly conceptualized disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with "healthy" eating.
- It involves distorted eating habits and cognitions with potential implications for mental and physical health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa in the general population.
- To explore the characteristics of orthorexia nervosa.
- To examine the relationship between orthorexia nervosa, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 177 adult subjects from the general population participated.
- The ORTO-15 test, a self-administered questionnaire, was used to assess orthorexic symptomatology.
- Statistical analyses were performed using two diagnostic thresholds (40/35).
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 57.6% for orthorexia nervosa was found using the 40-point threshold (female/male ratio 2:1).
- Prevalence was lower (21%) when using the 35-point threshold.
- Preliminary findings suggest a significant diffusion of orthorexia nervosa in the general population.
Conclusions:
- Orthorexia nervosa is prevalent and may pose significant risks to mental and physical health.
- The study highlights the need for more specific diagnostic instruments for orthorexia nervosa.
- A better understanding of this disorder is crucial for public health initiatives.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Assessing the gastrointestinal (GI) system is a complex process that begins with collecting subjective data. This data, collected through patient interviews, provides crucial insights into the patient's health history, perception patterns, and lifestyle habits, all contributing significantly to GI health.
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
01:23Binge Eating Disorders
Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
02:16Self-Schemas
In general, a schema is a mental construct consisting of a cluster or collection of related concepts (Bartlett, 1932). There are many different types of schemata, and they all have one thing in common: schemata are a method of organizing information that allows the brain to work more efficiently. When a schema is activated, the brain makes immediate assumptions about the person or object being observed.
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...