**Question:** With regard to anorexia nervosa the following is true except -

A. Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder that affects both sexes equally.
B. The primary symptom of anorexia nervosa is weight loss, which is not accurate.
C. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by fear of weight gain, excessive exercise, and amenorrhea in females.
D. Anorexia nervosa is a consequence of cultural factors, such as the pressure to be thin in modern society.

**Correct Answer:** B. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by fear of weight gain, excessive exercise, and amenorrhea in females. (Option B)

**Core Concept:** Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder that affects individuals, primarily females, with an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to drastic weight loss and other associated features.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Anorexia nervosa is indeed a psychiatric disorder with multiple features, including fear of weight gain, excessive exercise, and amenorrhea in females. The primary symptom of weight loss is a common misconception, as weight loss is a consequence of the disorder rather than a defining feature.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Anorexia nervosa affects both sexes equally, although females are more commonly affected due to societal pressures.
B. While weight loss is a consequence of the disorder, it is not the primary feature. The intense fear of weight gain is the core feature that drives individuals with anorexia nervosa to maintain low body weight.
C. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a fear of weight gain, excessive exercise, and amenorrhea in females. This option highlights the correct core features of the disorder.
D. While cultural factors may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa, this option incorrectly suggests that anorexia nervosa is solely a consequence of societal pressures.

**Clinical Pearl:** An understanding of the core features of anorexia nervosa, including the fear of weight gain, is essential for diagnosing and treating this psychiatric disorder. Weight loss is a consequence rather than the defining feature.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. While societal pressures may impact individuals with anorexia nervosa, the disorder is a psychiatric condition with specific core features.
B. Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a fear of weight gain, excessive exercise, and amenorrhea in females.
C. Anorexia nervosa is primarily a psychiatric disorder affecting individuals, particularly females, due to societal pressures and perceived body image issues.
D. While cultural factors may contribute to anorexia nervosa, the disorder is a complex psychiatric condition with specific core features, including the fear of weight gain.