An overview of anorexia nervosa in males

Eat Disord. 2012;20(5):368-78. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2012.715515.

Abstract

This article presents an integrative overview of existing research on anorexia nervosa (AN) in adolescent males. AN is commonly thought of as a female disorder. Even though as much as 25% of the clinical population is male, research on AN in males is limited. Additionally, most conceptualizations of male AN emphasize a single etiological factor and, therefore, produce treatments that fail to address it as a global phenomenon. In contrast, an integrative understanding that incorporates research on the familial, biological, cultural, and psychodynamic elements involved in male AN encourages treatment that comprehensively addresses the disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anorexia Nervosa / etiology
  • Anorexia Nervosa / physiopathology
  • Anorexia Nervosa / psychology*
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Family / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Male
  • Psychological Theory
  • Risk Factors