Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa typically occurs in a "model child" of a family that values achievement, appearance and nonconflictual interactions. Three diagnostic criteria are weight loss of at least 25 percent of ideal body weight, physiologic changes (including amenorrhea) and a distorted body image in which the patient, even when cachectic, insists she is fat. Therapy must involve the entire family, focusing not on pounds gained but on learning to handle conflict.