What is Shreya suffering from ?
What is Shreya suffering from ?
Shreya is most likely suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, an eating disorder marked by significant weight loss, restriction of food intake, a distorted body image (feeling "too fat" despite being underweight), and denial of the problem's seriousness.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark: Correctly identifies the disorder as Anorexia Nervosa.
Hint
Look for the combination of weight loss + distorted body image ("feels too fat" despite being underweight) + denial — the hallmark triad of Anorexia Nervosa.
Quick Oral Answer
Shreya is suffering from Anorexia Nervosa — an eating disorder shown through her significant weight loss, food restriction, distorted body image of feeling 'too fat' while underweight, and denial of the problem.
Analysis & Explanation
This 1-mark identification question tests recognition of Anorexia Nervosa from its classic diagnostic markers.
Concept
Anorexia Nervosa is characterised by refusal to maintain a minimally normal body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted perception of one's own body shape (body dysmorphia), and denial of the seriousness of the low body weight — all directly reflected in Shreya's noticeable weight loss, meal-skipping, feeling "too fat" despite being underweight, and insistence that "everything is fine."
Exam Trap
Students sometimes confuse this with Bulimia Nervosa, which involves cycles of binge-eating followed by compensatory purging (vomiting, laxatives); Shreya's case shows restriction and denial without any mention of binge-purge cycles, which is the defining feature that points specifically to Anorexia Nervosa.
Real-world relevance
Eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa have among the highest mortality rates of any psychological disorder, making early identification by parents, teachers and counsellors — exactly as depicted in this case — critical for timely intervention.
Common Mistakes
- 1Confusing Anorexia Nervosa with Bulimia Nervosa, which specifically involves binge-eating followed by purging — a pattern not described in Shreya's case.
- 2Answering with a vague term like 'eating problem' or 'depression' instead of the precise clinical name Anorexia Nervosa.
Interesting Facts
Anorexia Nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychological disorder, due to both severe physical health complications from malnutrition and elevated suicide risk.
Body dysmorphia in Anorexia Nervosa is so persistent that even after significant weight restoration during treatment, many patients continue to perceive themselves as overweight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa shown in Shreya's case?
The key symptoms are noticeable weight loss, deliberate restriction of food intake (skipping meals/dinners), a distorted body image (feeling 'too fat' despite being visibly underweight), and denial of the problem's seriousness ('everything is fine').
How is Anorexia Nervosa different from Bulimia Nervosa?
Anorexia Nervosa involves restriction of food intake and being significantly underweight with a distorted body image, while Bulimia Nervosa involves cycles of binge-eating followed by compensatory behaviours like vomiting or laxative use, often at a normal or near-normal body weight.