Which of the following is NOT one of the main characteristics of anorexia nervosa?

• A. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
• B. Significantly low body weight due to restricted food intake
• C. Frequent episodes of binge eating followed by purging
• D. Distorted perception of body weight or shape

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the main characteristics of anorexia nervosa by reviewing its diagnostic criteria, which typically include intense fear of gaining weight, significantly low body weight due to restricted food intake, and a distorted perception of body weight or shape.
2. Step 2: Recognize that frequent episodes of binge eating followed by purging are more characteristic of another eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, rather than anorexia nervosa.
3. Step 3: Compare each option to the known diagnostic features of anorexia nervosa to identify which one does not fit.
4. Step 4: Confirm that 'frequent episodes of binge eating followed by purging' is not a main characteristic of anorexia nervosa but rather of bulimia nervosa.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the option describing binge eating and purging is the correct answer to the question asking which is NOT a main characteristic of anorexia nervosa.