An eating disorder characterized by an irrational fear of weight gain leading to self-starvation is known as

• A. Bulimia nervosa
• B. Binge eating disorder
• C. Anhedonia
• D. Anorexia nervosa

Answer: (D)

This item tests understanding of anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder defined by an intense fear of gaining weight that leads to self-starvation and very low body weight. People with this condition typically restrict calories, may have a distorted body image, and often engage in excessive dieting or exercise to avoid weight gain. The other options don’t fit this specific pattern: bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or laxatives, not persistent self-starvation; binge eating disorder centers on recurrent large-volume eating without regular purging; anhedonia is a mood symptom characterized by a loss of interest or pleasure, not an eating disorder. Therefore, the description aligns with anorexia nervosa.