Adolescent boys and anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that primarily affects adolescent girls and young adult females, and is considered to be rare among males. It is estimated that one in 200 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years, the high risk group, develop anorexia nervosa with 90% of those affected being females. However, there has been a steady increase in the reported incidence of male anorectics, from approximately 5% (DSM III) in 1985, to as much as 10% in 1987 (NIMH, 1987). Since educators and counselors can serve a vital role in the early identification of this disorder, the young anorectic male has a better prognosis for recovery if they receive treatment during the early stages.