partial-syndrome anorexia

Partial-syndrome anorexia is a milder form of anorexia nervosa, where individuals display some, but not all, of the clinical symptoms of the disorder. Anorexia nervosa itself is an eating disorder characterized by an emaciated individual's refusal to maintain a normal body weight. Those affected typically weigh no more than 85 percent of their expected weight and have a distorted perception of their body shape and weight, often viewing themselves as overweight even when severely underweight. This condition is accompanied by an intense fear of gaining weight and rigid dietary restrictions. While anorexia nervosa can lead to severe emaciation and even death, partial-syndrome anorexia is more common, with close to 5 percent of adolescent girls exhibiting some symptoms.1