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How to Assess Anorexia Types: Expert Guide for Mental Health Professionals

How to Assess Anorexia Types: Expert Guide for Mental Health Professionals
How to Assess Anorexia Types: Expert Guide for Mental Health Professionals
How to Assess Anorexia Types: Expert Guide for Mental Health Professionals

Dec 8, 2025

"I think I have anorexia. I've completely lost my appetite." When a client makes this statement, where does your mind go first?

If you immediately think of F50.0 (Anorexia Nervosa) or depression-related appetite loss, you might be falling into a dangerous diagnostic trap. In fact, more than 70% of people with eating disorders have psychiatric comorbidities , but the word "anorexia" itself represents a critical clinical homonym that demands your careful attention.

The term "anorexia" in medical contexts (R63.0) simply means loss of appetite and serves as a red flag for dozens of potential medical conditions. However, in mental health settings, we often associate it exclusively with the psychological disorder Anorexia Nervosa. This distinction is crucial because eating disorders are disabling, deadly, and costly mental disorders that considerably impair physical health and disrupt psychosocial functioning .

Since the publication of the DSM-5 in 2013, significant changes occurred in the classification of eating disorders , yet the fundamental challenge of differentiating between medical and psychological causes of appetite loss remains. Importantly, psychiatric comorbidities such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are especially common among individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa , further complicating the diagnostic picture.

As a mental health professional, you serve as the first line of defense when a client presents with appetite loss. Your ability to distinguish between medical anorexia and psychological appetite loss could literally save lives. This guide provides you with a clear, actionable protocol to ensure you're asking the right questions, making appropriate referrals, and documenting your clinical decisions effectively.

The Word 'Anorexia': A Clinical Homonym

The word "anorexia" represents a critical distinction that many mental health professionals misunderstand. This linguistic confusion can lead to serious clinical errors and delayed treatment for potentially life-threatening conditions.

Why the term causes confusion

The term "anorexia" derives from the ancient Greek word "orexis" meaning appetite, with the prefix "an-" signifying "not" or "without." Put together, the word simply describes a lack of appetite or disinterest in food [1]. This straightforward etymology contrasts with how the term is commonly understood within mental health settings, where it's frequently used interchangeably with or as shorthand for "anorexia nervosa."

This conflation creates a dangerous diagnostic trap. "Anorexia" alone refers solely to a symptomโ€”loss of appetiteโ€”which may signal numerous underlying medical conditions. Conversely, anorexia nervosa represents a complex psychological disorder characterized by intense fear of weight gain, body image disturbance, and restrictive eating patterns.

Additionally, the symptom of anorexia (loss of appetite) typically emerges as a temporary condition caused by various factors including dehydration, physical fatigue, stress, or maladaptive emotional responses [1]. Once these underlying issues resolve, the appetite typically returns. In contrast, anorexia nervosa generally manifests as a chronic condition with long-lasting effects, stemming from emotional, genetic, and environmental causes [1].

ICD-10 code R63.0 vs F50.0

The coding distinction between these conditions proves vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The ICD-10 system assigns code R63.0 to anorexia as a symptom, categorizing it under "Loss of appetite" [2]. This code appears in the general symptoms section and serves primarily as a descriptor for a physical manifestation requiring further investigation.

Alternatively, F50.0 designates anorexia nervosa, the psychological eating disorder. The diagnostic criteria for F50.0 include an intense fear of gaining weight, refusal to maintain a healthy weight, and disturbed body image [2]. Furthermore, F50.0 expands into subtypes: F50.01 for restricting type and F50.02 for binge eating/purging type [2].

This coding differentiation carries significant implications beyond mere semantics. R63.0 signals the need for medical evaluation to identify underlying physical causes, while F50.0 indicates the presence of a psychological disorder requiring specialized mental health intervention. Moreover, using F50.0 inappropriately could mask serious medical conditions or delay necessary medical treatment.

Common misinterpretations in therapy

Mental health professionals frequently encounter pitfalls when clients report appetite changes. A common error involves immediately attributing appetite loss to psychological factors without adequate medical screening. Consider this scenario: a client mentions decreased appetite, and the therapist begins exploring depression or anxiety as potential causes, overlooking the possibility of underlying medical conditions.

Another misinterpretation occurs when therapists fail to distinguish between true appetite loss (anorexia R63.0) and food restriction despite normal appetite (characteristic of anorexia nervosa F50.0). The key differentiator lies in motivation: medical anorexia involves genuine disinterest in food, whereas anorexia nervosa features active restriction despite potential hunger, driven by fear of weight gain and body image concerns [3].

Documentation errors compound these problems. Therapists might document "anorexia" without clarification, creating ambiguity about whether they're referencing a symptom requiring medical evaluation or diagnosing an eating disorder. This imprecision potentially exposes practitioners to liability and clients to inappropriate treatment.

The optimal approach involves recognizing anorexia (R63.0) as a warning sign necessitating medical investigation before psychological interpretation. Whenever a client presents with appetite changes, your first consideration should be: "Is this a medical issue requiring referral, or is it clearly connected to psychological factors within my scope of practice?"

The Triage Protocol: Your First 5 Questions

When clients mention appetite changes, a structured assessment approach is critical. These five questions form a triage protocol that helps you distinguish between medical anorexia (R63.0) and psychological conditions, specifically anorexia nervosa (F50.0).

1. When did it start and what changed?

Begin with timing and context. Ask directly: "When did you first notice your appetite changing?" and "Did anything else change around that time?" Time-specific questions reveal valuable patterns and potential triggers.

Look for recent medication changes, illness, or physical symptoms like nausea or taste alterations. Medical anorexia often develops suddenly and may coincide with other bodily changes. Alternatively, gradual appetite decline might suggest depression or anxiety. Document the timeline precisely - this becomes crucial if medical referral is needed.

Patients rarely volunteer complete information about onset. Consequently, follow-up questions like "Did this change after starting any new medications?" or "Have you noticed any other physical symptoms alongside your appetite change?" can uncover essential clinical details.

2. Is there fear of weight gain?

This question represents the fundamental differentiator between medical anorexia and anorexia nervosa. Research shows fear of weight gain is a core feature of eating disorders and an indicator of ED severity, particularly in anorexia nervosa [2].

Ask directly: "How do you feel about potentially gaining weight?" or "Are you concerned about weight gain?" For clients with anorexia nervosa, weight gain feels threatening and often triggers significant anxiety [4].

Pay attention to non-verbal cues during this question. Clients with anorexia nervosa may show visible distress when discussing weight gain. Studies indicate fear of weight gain is endorsed by approximately 73.6% of women in community samples but is especially heightened in individuals with eating disorders [2].

Notably, fear of weight gain has been shown to be more intense in individuals with anorexia nervosa compared to those with other eating disorders [2]. This fear often drives restrictive eating patterns even when physical hunger is present.

3. Is there loss of pleasure or energy?

Explore whether appetite changes accompany broader mood symptoms. Depression commonly manifests with both appetite disturbances and anhedonia (loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities).

Ask specifically: "Besides appetite changes, have you noticed decreased energy?" and "Have activities you once enjoyed become less pleasurable?" Document responses that suggest comorbid depression, as this affects both diagnosis and treatment planning.

Research indicates that eating disorders frequently co-occur with mood disorders [5]. Fatigue, low energy, sleep disturbances, and loss of pleasure are common symptoms that can accompany appetite changes in depression [6]. These symptoms help differentiate depression-related appetite loss from primary eating disorders or medical conditions.

4. Has a doctor been consulted?

This question establishes what medical assessment has already occurred. Ask: "Have you discussed these appetite changes with your primary care doctor?" and "Have any medical tests been conducted?"

If no medical evaluation has occurred, this represents an immediate action item. Document your recommendation for medical assessment, as unexplained appetite loss warrants investigation before psychological interpretation.

Studies show a significant minority of people with eating disorder problems fail to attend initial assessments [5]. Therefore, it's essential to emphasize the importance of medical evaluation and possibly facilitate this referral directly.

5. Is this restriction or true loss of appetite?

Finally, determine whether the client is actively restricting food despite normal hunger, or genuinely lacks appetite sensation. This distinction separates voluntary behavior from physiological symptom.

Ask clearly: "Do you feel hungry but choose not to eat, or do you truly not feel hunger?" Clients with anorexia nervosa often restrict despite hunger, while those with medical anorexia report genuine absence of hunger signals.

Research indicates anorexia (symptom) is usually temporary and caused by factors like dehydration, physical fatigue, or stress [7]. Conversely, anorexia nervosa stems from emotional, genetic, and environmental causes and generally presents as a chronic condition [7].

This five-question protocol creates a structured approach to assessing appetite changes while ensuring client safety. The answers guide your decision-making about whether to proceed with psychological treatment, refer for medical evaluation, or pursue both paths simultaneously.

AI Therapy Notes

The Differential Diagnosis Map: Where Does This Symptom Lead?

After completing your triage assessment, the client's responses direct you toward specific diagnostic pathways. Understanding these paths ensures appropriate care and prevents dangerous misattribution of symptoms.

Medical causes (R63.0)

Underlying medical conditions frequently trigger appetite loss and deserve first consideration. Chronic infectious diseases, malabsorptive disorders, malignancies, and immune deficiencies commonly present with anorexia as an early symptom [3]. Endocrine disorders like diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, and Addison's disease can similarly suppress appetite [8].

Other potential medical causes include gall bladder disease, colonic tuberculosis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosisโ€”all of which have been misdiagnosed as psychological eating disorders [3]. The misdiagnosis rate is alarming, with documented cases of achalasia, brain tumors, and Lyme disease being incorrectly labeled as anorexia nervosa [3].

A critical point to recognize: medical anorexia typically presents without fear of weight gain. Accordingly, prompt referral to a primary care physician is essential whenever a client reports new-onset appetite loss.

Depression-related appetite loss

Depression and anorexia nervosa show substantial comorbidity, with studies indicating that major depressive disorder occurs in up to 80% of anorexia nervosa cases [9]. Meanwhile, between 50% and 75% of those with eating disorders experience symptoms of depression [10].

To differentiate depression-related appetite loss from primary eating disorders, look for these key features:

  • Pervasive low mood predating appetite changes

  • Anhedonia (loss of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities)

  • Fatigue and sleep disturbances

  • Absence of fear about weight gain or body image disturbance

Undeniably, depression with appetite loss typically improves as mood stabilizes, unlike the persistent food restriction patterns in anorexia nervosa.

Anxiety-related appetite suppression

Anxiety affects appetite through activation of the fight-or-flight response. This primal reaction diverts blood flow away from the digestive system and toward muscles, triggering a temporary loss of hunger signals [11]. Research indicates about 40% of people experience decreased appetite during periods of anxiety [12].

Physical symptoms accompanying anxiety-related appetite loss often include:

  • Nausea or "stomach knots"

  • Increased stomach acid

  • Gastrointestinal distress

Nonetheless, unlike anorexia nervosa, once the anxiety diminishes, appetite typically returns to normal without intervention [11].

Anorexia Nervosa (F50.0)

Anorexia nervosa represents a distinct clinical entity characterized by extreme calorie restriction, behaviors that interfere with weight gain, and a distorted sense of self-image driving an intense fear of gaining weight [13].

The diagnostic criteria include weight loss leading to a body mass index under 18.5 in adults, along with psychological features like body image distortion [1]. Above all, the core differentiating feature from simple appetite loss is the active restriction of food despite potential hunger, driven by fear of weight gain [13].

Other psychiatric or substance-related causes

Substance use disorders and eating disorders frequently co-occur. Research suggests up to 50% of patients with an eating disorder abuse alcohol or illicit substances, compared with 9% of the general population [14]. Individuals with eating disorders are up to five times more likely to abuse substances, while those with substance use disorders are up to 11 times more likely to have eating disorders [14].

Of particular importance, the substances most frequently abused by individuals with eating disorders include caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, laxatives, emetics, diuretics, appetite suppressants, heroin, cocaine, and cannabis [14]. Moreover, this comorbidity complicates treatment, as patients with both conditions demonstrate increased symptoms and poorer outcomes than those with eating disorders alone [14].

Assessment Tools for Appetite and Eating Behavior

Validated assessment tools provide critical objective data for differentiating between medical anorexia and psychological eating disorders. These instruments help you gather structured information about eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that might not emerge during initial interviews.

Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)

The EDE-Q is a 28-item self-report questionnaire adapted from the Eating Disorder Examination interview. This tool assesses the range, frequency, and severity of behaviors associated with eating disorders across four subscales: Restraint, Eating Concern, Shape Concern, and Weight Concern [15]. A higher global score indicates more problematic eating difficulties.

The EDE-Q demonstrates acceptable internal consistency across its subscales, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.74 (Restraint) to 0.93 (Shape Concern) [15]. Its test-retest reliability is high for both subscales (r = 0.75 to 0.91) and global scores (r = 0.92) [15].

When using the EDE-Q, a score of 4 or higher indicates clinical significance. In one study of female adolescents with eating disorders, 76.1% scored in the clinically significant range on the Restraint subscale, 61.4% on Eating Concern, 78.4% on Shape Concern, and 73.9% on Weight Concern [16].

Fear of Food Measure (FOFM)

The FOFM is a 23-item self-report measure that assesses cognitive-behavioral dimensions of food and eating-related anxiety across three subscales: Anxiety About Eating, Food Anxiety Behaviors, and Feared Concerns [17]. Items are rated on a 7-point scale, allowing you to quantify the degree of food-related fear.

Importantly, research shows the FOFM can prospectively predict eating disorder pathology throughout treatment and measure outcomes of exposure therapy [17]. This makes it particularly useful when differentiating between medical anorexia (where food fear is typically absent) and psychological restrictions.

Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI)

The EPSI is a 45-item multidimensional assessment covering eight scales: Body Dissatisfaction, Binge Eating, Cognitive Restraint, Purging, Restricting, Excessive Exercise, Negative Attitudes toward Obesity, and Muscle Building [6]. This comprehensive measure was designed specifically to overcome limitations of older instruments.

What sets the EPSI apart is its reduced gender and weight category bias compared to traditional measures [6]. It has been tested in over 30,000 individuals, demonstrating strong test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent/discriminant validity [6]. Its factor structure also replicates in non-Western cultures [6].

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II)

The BDI-II is a 21-item self-report measure of depression that proves invaluable when assessing appetite loss potentially related to mood disorders. Research demonstrates that patients with anorexia nervosa often present with significant depressive symptoms as measured by the BDI [18].

Essentially, the BDI-II helps you track the relationship between weight restoration and mood. Studies show that with weight restoration, patients demonstrate statistically significant improvement in mood symptoms without medication [18]. In one study, a BDI score of 26 yielded the highest levels of sensitivity and specificity for detecting comorbid depression in eating disorders [19].

Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS)

The SAAS is a 16-item measure assessing anxiety about negative evaluation related to overall appearance, including body shape. The scale demonstrates excellent internal consistency (ฮฑ=0.96) [20] and a one-factor structure that's been confirmed through factor analysis [20].

Research indicates the SAAS is positively correlated with BMI, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction [20]. It also correlates with depression measures and personality traits including emotional lability, anxiousness, identity problems, suspiciousness, and submissiveness [20].

Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS)

The FMPS is a 35-item self-report measure assessing four dimensions of perfectionism: Concern over Mistakes, Doubts about Actions, Parental Expectations, and Personal Standards [21]. This scale is particularly useful when evaluating individuals with body image concerns like anorexia [21].

Research shows perfectionism is an underlying trait in many clinical presentations including anorexia nervosa [21]. The internal consistency for the total FMPS is strong (ฮฑ=.87), with coefficients for individual factors ranging from .66 to .80 [22].

People with eating disorder symptomatology score significantly higher than control groups on the total FMPS score and three factors: Concerns about Mistakes, Doubts about Actions, and Parental Expectations [22]. This tool helps identify perfectionism as a potential maintaining factor in anorexia nervosa that requires targeted intervention.

Documentation: Writing a Note That Protects You and Your Client

Proper documentation serves as your professional safeguard whenever clients mention appetite changes. Clear, precise notes demonstrate your clinical reasoning while protecting both you and your client from potentially dangerous misdiagnosis.

How to document R63.0 correctly

Documentation for anorexia as a symptom (R63.0) must clearly distinguish it from anorexia nervosa (F50.0). Begin by using precise terminologyโ€”never simply write "anorexia" alone in clinical notes [23]. Instead, document "loss of appetite (R63.0)" or "symptom of decreased appetite" to avoid confusion [24].

Indeed, coding anorexia correctly requires understanding that R63.0 belongs under "Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified" [25]. Your documentation should reflect this classification rather than prematurely attributing appetite loss to psychological causes.

Examples of strong vs weak notes

Weak note (risky): "Client reports poor appetite. Will explore underlying emotional issues."

Strong note (defensible): "Client presents with significant appetite reduction over past 3 weeks (R63.0). Denies fear of weight gain or body image disturbance (rules out F50.0). Symptom onset coincided with new medication. Client referred to PCP for medical evaluation before attributing to psychological factors."

First thing to remember: strong documentation shows you've considered medical possibilities before psychological interpretation.

Avoiding diagnostic overreach

Mental health professionals must recognize the critical difference between coding colloquial "anorexia" (meaning loss of appetite) versus the psychiatric diagnosis of anorexia nervosa [7]. In your notes, clearly state: "Client exhibits appetite loss requiring medical evaluation to rule out organic causes before psychological interpretation."

Given that R63.0 and F50.0 have Excludes1 notes for each other in ICD-10, your documentation must respect these as distinct conditions with different etiologies [7].

Language that supports medical referral

Use terminology that facilitates collaboration with medical providers. For instance, document specific symptoms: "Client reports 75% reduction in appetite with associated 10-pound weight loss" [24].

At the same time, employ person-centered language throughout your documentation. Rather than labeling someone as "anorexic," note they are "experiencing appetite loss" or "exhibiting symptoms consistent with R63.0" [26].

When and How to Refer for Medical Evaluation

Recognizing when to refer clients for medical evaluation can be lifesaving in cases of appetite loss. Your vigilance as a mental health professional forms a crucial safety net for clients whose symptoms may indicate underlying medical conditions.

Red flags that require urgent referral

Immediate medical evaluation is necessary if your client exhibits:

  • Heart rate below 50 bpm while awake or below 45 bpm while asleep [27]

  • Blood pressure below 90/60 or orthostatic changes (systolic drop >20 mmHg) [27]

  • Temperature below 36ยฐC [27]

  • Electrolyte abnormalities, especially hypokalemia or hypophosphatemia [27]

  • Rapid, persistent weight loss despite outpatient therapy [28]

  • BMI below 15 or weight below 70% of treatment goal weight [27]

  • Cardiovascular issues including chest pain, fainting episodes, or arrhythmias [29]

Collaborating with PCPs and specialists

Primary care physicians often bridge the gap while patients await specialized eating disorder treatment [5]. Establish regular communication channels with medical providers and schedule weekly or bi-weekly follow-up visits to track symptom progression [5]. Consider consultation with adolescent medicine or specialized eating disorder teams when available [30].

What to include in your referral note

A comprehensive referral should contain:

  • Complete physical exam with vital signs from within past 14 days [31]

  • Growth charts for younger clients [31]

  • Documentation of weight history (maximum and minimum weights with dates) [32]

  • Current medications and allergies [32]

  • Specific behavioral concerns related to eating or weight [32]

Follow-up after referral

Maintain involvement throughout the medical evaluation process. Document recommendations made and client response. If medical conditions are identified, coordinate with physicians regarding treatment implications. For youth especially, consider developing formal accommodation plans for school settings [28]. Request copies of medical evaluation results for your records to maintain continuity of care.

Conclusion

Distinguishing between anorexia as a symptom (R63.0) and anorexia nervosa (F50.0) remains one of the most critical skills you'll need as a mental health professional. This distinction literally saves lives. Your five-question triage protocol serves as your first line of defense when clients report appetite changes, allowing you to quickly assess whether medical evaluation should precede psychological interpretation.

Thorough assessment undoubtedly requires appropriate tools. The EDE-Q, FOFM, EPSI, BDI-II, SAAS, and FMPS provide structured data that complement your clinical judgment. These validated instruments help quantify symptoms and track progress throughout treatment, thus supporting more accurate differential diagnosis.

Documentation practices either protect or expose you professionally. Rather than simply noting "anorexia," defensible records specifically indicate "loss of appetite (R63.0)" or clearly document "anorexia nervosa (F50.0)" with supporting evidence. Your notes must demonstrate careful consideration of medical possibilities before psychological interpretation.

Medical referrals become necessary whenever unexplained appetite loss presents without clear psychological etiology. Red flags such as rapid weight loss, abnormal vital signs, or electrolyte imbalances demand urgent action. Subsequently, maintaining communication with medical providers ensures comprehensive care for your clients.

The path from symptom to diagnosis requires vigilance, precision, and clinical humility. While therapeutic skills remain valuable for psychological conditions, they cannot replace medical evaluation for symptoms that might indicate serious physical illness. Your role as gatekeeper therefore carries immense responsibility.

Remember, whenever a client mentions appetite changes, your first thought should evaluate: "Medical or psychological?" This question frames everything that follows. Accordingly, your careful assessment, precise documentation, and appropriate referrals form a safety net for clients who trust you with their care. Through this thoughtful approach, you fulfill your ethical obligation to provide comprehensive, responsible mental health treatment that acknowledges both mind and body.

Key Takeaways

Mental health professionals must distinguish between "anorexia" as appetite loss (R63.0) and anorexia nervosa (F50.0) to prevent dangerous misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate care.

โ€ข Use the 5-question triage protocol: timing/context, fear of weight gain, mood symptoms, medical consultation, and restriction vs. true appetite loss โ€ข Fear of weight gain is the key differentiator - present in anorexia nervosa but absent in medical appetite loss โ€ข Always refer for medical evaluation when clients report unexplained appetite loss before attributing to psychological causes โ€ข Document precisely using "loss of appetite (R63.0)" rather than ambiguous "anorexia" to protect yourself and clients legally โ€ข Utilize validated assessment tools like EDE-Q, FOFM, and BDI-II to gather objective data supporting your clinical decisions โ€ข Recognize red flags requiring urgent referral: heart rate below 50 bpm, blood pressure below 90/60, or rapid weight loss

Your role as gatekeeper between medical and psychological causes of appetite loss carries life-saving responsibility. When in doubt, medical evaluation should always precede psychological interpretation to ensure comprehensive, safe patient care.

FAQs

What are the main assessment tools used for evaluating anorexia?

The primary assessment tools include the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Fear of Food Measure (FOFM), Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), and Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS). These validated instruments help gather structured data on eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions.

How do mental health professionals differentiate between medical anorexia and anorexia nervosa?

Mental health professionals use a triage protocol of five key questions to differentiate between medical anorexia (R63.0) and anorexia nervosa (F50.0). These questions cover the onset and context of appetite changes, presence of fear of weight gain, mood symptoms, prior medical consultation, and whether the issue is food restriction or true loss of appetite.

What are the red flags that require urgent medical referral for someone experiencing appetite loss?

Urgent medical referral is necessary if a client exhibits signs such as a heart rate below 50 bpm while awake, blood pressure below 90/60, body temperature below 36ยฐC, electrolyte abnormalities, rapid and persistent weight loss, BMI below 15, or cardiovascular issues like chest pain or fainting episodes.

How should mental health professionals document cases of appetite loss to avoid misdiagnosis?

Proper documentation involves using precise terminology like "loss of appetite (R63.0)" rather than simply "anorexia." Notes should clearly distinguish between appetite loss as a symptom and anorexia nervosa as a psychological disorder. Strong documentation demonstrates consideration of medical possibilities before psychological interpretation.

What are the key differences between medical anorexia and anorexia nervosa?

The primary difference is that medical anorexia (R63.0) is a symptom of appetite loss that can be caused by various medical conditions, while anorexia nervosa (F50.0) is a psychological disorder characterized by fear of weight gain, body image disturbance, and active food restriction despite potential hunger. Medical anorexia typically lacks the psychological components present in anorexia nervosa.

References

[1] - https://astersprings.com/blog/is-anorexia-a-mental-health-disorder
[2] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666323026430
[3] - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_diagnoses_of_anorexia_nervosa
[4] - https://equip.health/articles/treatment-and-recovery/weight-gain-anorexia-recovery
[5] - https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/152/5/e2023061672/194388/The-Role-of-Primary-Care-in-Bridging-Adolescents
[6] - https://care.ku.edu/epsi
[7] - https://www.aapc.com/codes/coding-newsletters/my-pediatric-coding-alert/you-be-the-coder-gain-insight-into-this-anorexia-case-178453-article?srsltid=AfmBOopgUdws-ZXxKCqle4y-ZX3L-Km4QGY2Hn5CMOi0mAq7zNS94ncm
[8] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567717/
[9] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8958208/
[10] - https://www.eatingrecoverycenter.com/resources/depression-eating-disorders
[11] - https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/anxiety-lose-appetite
[12] - https://withinhealth.com/learn/articles/anxiety-loss-of-appetite
[13] - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591
[14] - https://nedc.com.au/eating-disorder-resources/find-resources/show/issue-58-i-the-link-between-drugs-alcohol-and-eating-disorders
[15] - https://www.corc.uk.net/outcome-measures-guidance/directory-of-outcome-measures/eating-disorder-examination-questionnaire-ede-q/
[16] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5728684/
[17] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11956020/
[18] - http://www.uptodate.com/contents/anorexia-nervosa-in-adults-clinical-features-course-of-illness-assessment-and-diagnosis/abstract/13
[19] - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7877132/
[20] - https://www.torontomu.ca/content/dam/psychology/Documents/SAAS/Claes_2012_Validation_of_the_SAAS_in_female_eating_disorder_patients.pdf
[21] - https://novopsych.com/assessments/formulation/frost-multidimensional-perfectionism-scale-fmps/
[22] - https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-revista-mexicana-trastornos-alimentarios--110-articulo-internal-consistency-test-retest-reliability-construct-S200715231472004X
[23] - https://www.mdclarity.com/icd-codes/r63-0
[24] - https://icdcodes.ai/diagnosis/poor-appetite/documentation
[25] - https://www.aapc.com/codes/icd-10-codes/R63.0?srsltid=AfmBOophygXzjK2cUlXkdYNr9Pc89kXSzJ2WqO1t374YGPSs8feSi2hK
[26] - https://nceedus.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NCEED-Flyers-Words-Matter-v2-1.pdf
[27] - https://ubccpd.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Eating-Disorders-Toolkit-for-PCP-2018.pdf
[28] - https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2015/0101/p46.html
[29] - https://emilyprogram.com/eating-disorders-we-treat/warning-signs/
[30] - https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Management_of_Eating_Disorders_in_the_Emergency_Department/
[31] - https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/eating-disorders/refer-a-patient/
[32] - https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-health-professionals/Referrals-to-PCH/Prereferral-guidelines/Eating-Disorders

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Not medical advice. For informational use only.

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