DOI: 10.36347/gamj.2023.v04i04.002

Pages: 130-132

Anorexia mainly affects women, but there are also less common cases in men, which often remain underdiagnosed and can be very serious. It is important to note that the prevalence of male anorexia nervosa is increasing, ranging from 0 to 0.09. This disorder usually affects young girls aged 12 – 20 (1% of girls, 0.1% of boys), and can be responsible for massive weight loss (between 30 and 50% of the initial weight) aggravated by laxatives and diuretics, as well as serious somatic and psychological complications. This disorder typically develops during adolescence and reaches its peak between the ages of 14 and 18 years, the sex ratio suggested is about 1 man to 10 women, Anorexia nervosa is a complex illness that is caused by multiple factors, including genetic, developmental, sociocultural, familial, individual, behavioural and cognitive components. This disorder comorbid with depression is a complex medical condition that affects an individual's mental and physical health. This co-occurrence of disorders requires an integrated treatment approach, emphasizing collaboration between mental health professionals and patients themselves.