Fergus has lost one hundred pounds this past year. His weight is 15 percent below what his physician says is a healthy weight for him, yet he refuses to acknowledge his thinness or the serious risks of his self-starvation. Fergus is afraid that if he gains weight, no woman will ever date him again. Fergus is most likely exhibiting _____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fergus is exhibiting symptoms of anorexia nervosa, as he has lost a significant amount of weight, is below a healthy weight, and has a distorted perception of his body. His fear of gaining weight and belief that it will impact his dating life is also common among individuals with anorexia. Body dysmorphic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder may involve a concern with body image, but they do not necessarily involve self-starvation or a fear of gaining weight. Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating and purging behaviors, which are not present in Fergus's case.

Fergus Has Lost One Hundred Pounds This Past Year