Marcia Johnson is losing weight significantly and only eating small amounts. What disorder is she most likely experiencing?

Study for the Swift River Mental Health Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The scenario presents Marcia Johnson as someone who is significantly losing weight and consuming very small amounts of food. This pattern aligns closely with the characteristics of Anorexia Nervosa.

Anorexia Nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized primarily by self-imposed starvation and excessive weight loss. Individuals with this disorder have an intense fear of gaining weight and often have a distorted body image, leading them to view themselves as overweight even when they are underweight. The behavior of significantly restricting food intake is typical of those suffering from Anorexia, as they may limit their eating to very small portions.

In contrast, Bulimia Nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercising, rather than significant weight loss due to food restriction. Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified is a broader category that encompasses various eating disorders that do not meet the specific criteria for other diagnoses but lacks the clear emphasis on severe weight loss and food restriction seen in Anorexia. Obesity, meanwhile, refers to excess weight, which is the opposite of the weight loss described in the question.

Thus, the main focus on significant weight loss and minimal food intake confirms that Anorexia Nervosa is the most appropriate diagnosis for Marcia Johnson

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