Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
Atypical anorexia nervosa: A scoping review to determine priorities in research and clinical practice
1Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Background:
There is currently a limited understanding of the identification, nature, and treatment of Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AAN). Recent systematic reviews have identified only small numbers of candidate papers, and some areas lack any meaningful review so far - particularly treatment outcomes. A key issue is the lack of clarity in the literature regarding the definition of weight loss criteria.
Objectives:
This scoping review aimed to determine the nature and extent of our knowledge of AAN, in order to assist in the development of future systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well as indicating what further research is needed.
Method:
Following the identification of 6747 records, 317 records using the term AAN or a defined equivalent were identified from six databases, including the 'grey' literature.
Results:
Of the 317 studies, 111 provided participant characteristics, and only 10 provided discrete treatment outcomes. Each of these subsets of the data are tabulated and supported with supplementary material, so that future systematic reviewers can access this resource.
Discussion:
The pattern and content of the existing studies allows recommendations to be made regarding future reviews, research and clinical practice. There is a particular need for clear weight/weight loss criteria and adequate interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions
Taste Buds and Receptors
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders

