What is the DSM IV Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa

The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Volume 4) provides guidelines and criteria for mental disorders. In terms of eating disorders the DSM-IV provides diagnostic criteria for anorexia, bulimia and EDNOS (Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified). It is important to remember that someone can still have an eating disorder or body image issues and not meet the diagnostic criteria.

The DSM-IV criteria for Anorexia Nervosa is as follows: 

A. A refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g. weight loss leading to a maintenance of body weight less than 85% of that expected, or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected).

B. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.

C. Disturbance in the way in which one’s body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

Specify type:

Restricting Type: During the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has not regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behaviour (i.e. self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas)

Binge-Eating/Purging Type: During the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behaviour (i.e. self induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas).

References:
American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th Ed.) United States of America: American Psychiatric Association.