Hunger of the Mind: Psychological Dimensions of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating illness characterized by low body weight, dread of gaining weight, and distorted body image (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). This disorder has a detrimental impact on people's physical and mental health. When psychological dimensions are examined, it is clear that individual factors such as genetic predisposition, traumatic childhood experiences, low self-esteem, and perfectionism, as well as social pressures and media effects, all play a role in the development of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with anorexia nervosa develop disordered thinking patterns with cognitive distortions and attempt to regulate their emotions by managing their eating habits (Fairburn, 2008). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family-based therapies have been shown to be effective treatments (Lock & Le Grange, 2015). Furthermore, psychoeducation programs and social awareness studies improve individual therapy procedures (Becker et al., 2019). This article intends to contribute to a better understanding of this condition and the development of appropriate therapies by thoroughly studying the psychological dynamics and treatment strategies for anorexia nervosa. Keywords: A Norexia Nervosa, Eating Disorders, Psychology, Cognitive Distortions, Treatment Methods .