Which of the following is not a common feature of Anorexia Nervosa-
**Question:** Which of the following is not a common feature of Anorexia Nervosa?
A. Rapid weight loss
B. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
C. Normal or elevated body temperature
D. Increased protein catabolism
**Core Concept:** Anorexia Nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by abnormal eating habits, leading to severe weight loss and malnutrition. Patients with Anorexia Nervosa often display a distorted body image and intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Among the options provided, Anorexia Nervosa is primarily characterized by a distorted perception of body image and a fear of weight gain or becoming fat. This is a cardinal feature of the disorder, making it the correct answer.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Rapid weight loss: Although weight loss is a common feature, it is not specific to Anorexia Nervosa as it can be seen in other conditions like infections, malignancies, or severe illnesses.
B. Normal or elevated body temperature: Anorexia Nervosa patients may present with hypothermia or hypotension due to malnutrition and autonomic instability, not elevated body temperature.
C. Increased protein catabolism: This may occur in some cases of Anorexia Nervosa, but not all, and is not a consistent feature of the disorder.
**Clinical Pearl:** Anorexia Nervosa is a complex psychiatric disorder involving various physiological disturbances, including weight loss, hypothermia, and autonomic instability. While weight loss is a common feature, the core features of the disorder involve the distorted body image, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, and the autonomic and endocrine changes resulting from malnutrition.
**Correct Answer:** B. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat