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This is a description of what Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and EDNOS are.

Ana - Anorexia Nervosa. Defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as a medical condition where individuals don't maintain a normal body weight, fear of gaining weight, body image distortions, and in females, missing three consecutive menstruation.

This psychological disease is characterized by four main factors:

1. Weight - 15% below normal body weight or a BMI (body mass index) less than 18.5. People with anorexia refuse to maintain a normal body weight for height and age.
2. Fear of Gaining Weight/Becoming Fat - This is basically self-explanatory. People have an intense fear of becoming fat that controls their thoughts. This fear causes them to go through extreme measures to decrease their body weight to the point of starvation.
3. Body Image Distortion - Body image distortion is where an individual does not see an accurate reflection of their body in the mirror. They see themselves as overweight and disgusting, even when emaciated. This distortion fuels their fear and their goal to lose weight.
4. Lack of Menstruation - For females that are anorexic, lack of menstruation for three consecutive cycles. For those that don't know, menstruation is known as a period. 

Mia - Bulimia Nervosa. Characterized by binge eating and purging in a variety of actions. Examples of purging are excessive exercise, taking laxatives, or throwing up. Note: bulimics can be of any weight, underweight, normal weight, or overweight. 

Here is a description of its characteristics:

1. Binge Eating - Unlike "normal people" who overeat in small portions, like too many chips or eating pizza, bulimics consume up to thousands of calories in a short period of time (typically two hours of less). There is a sense of being unable to stop themselves and a lack of control of their consumption. Binge eating results in emotional and psychological distress.
2. Purging - Purges follow a binge. Purging is a way to "fix" their problem they caused or undo their behavior. Purging can take the form of excessive exercise, taking water or laxative pills, vomiting, or starvation.
3. This binge eating and purging cycle typically happens at least twice a week and continue for three or more months.
4. Body Image Is Connected To Weight & Shape - Self respect is deeply rooted in how they view their body image. Example: Thighs are too large means you aren't good enough. 

EDNOS - Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. People that fall into this category do not fit the strict criteria of either Anorexia or Bulimia Nervosa, but they have a significant concerns and/or distortions of eating and body image. 

1. Anorexia - Individuals meet all the criteria for Anorexia Nervosa except that the person is a normal weight and/or has not missed three consecutive menstrual cycles.
2. Bulimia - Individuals meet all the criteria for Bulimia Nervosa except they do not binge and purge more than twice a week and has not been at least three months.
3. Majority of individuals fall into this category.
4. Individuals may cross from one eating disorder to another. 

If you have anything to add or feel like I have put something up that is false please comment below. 

Be strong out there!