Abby is a shy adolescent who lives a very structured life, keeping to a strict routine. Over the last 6 months, she has lost 20 pounds. She is often nauseous and does not enjoy eating. Her mother tries to encourage her to eat, but Abby insists she is too fat and she looks better this way. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Question

Abby is a shy adolescent who lives a very structured life, keeping to a strict routine. Over the last 6 months, she has lost 20 pounds. She is often nauseous and does not enjoy eating. Her mother tries to encourage her to eat, but Abby insists she is too fat and she looks better this way. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Abby's symptoms of significant weight loss, nausea, and distorted body image are consistent with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. The mention of her strict routine and insistence on her weight being too high suggest an obsessive preoccupation with weight and body image. Externalizing disorders typically involve behaviors that are disruptive and harmful to others, while peer group alienation is characterized by social withdrawal and difficulty forming relationships with peers. OCD does involve compulsive behavior, but typically not related to body image or weight.

Abby Is a Shy Adolescent Who Lives a Very Structured