What is the dsm definition of anorexia?

Answer 1

You did not specify the DSM edition. I couldn't find the definitions for DSM II or I, but you're probably looking for DSM IV.

DSM IV:

307.1 Anorexia Nervosa

* Refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and

height, for example, weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight less than 85%

of that expected or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth,

leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected.

* Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.

* Disturbance in the way one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence

of body weight or shape on self evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current

low body weight.

* In postmenarcheal females, amenorrhea, i.e., the absence of at least 3 consecutive

menstrual cycles. A woman having periods only while on hormone medication (e.g.

estrogen) still qualifies as having amenorrhea.

Type

Restricting Type: During the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the person has not

regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behavior (self-induced vomiting or misuse

of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas).

Binge Eating/Purging Type: During the current episode of Anorexia Nervosa, the

person has regularly engaged in binge-eating or purging behavior

DSM III:

Anorexia Nervosa

1. Refusal to maintain body weight over a minimal normal weight for age and height, e.g., weight loss leading to maintenance of body weight 15% below that expected; or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight 15% below that expected.
2. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.
3. Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight, size or shape is experienced, e.g., the person claims to "feel fat" even when emaciated, believes that one area of the body is "too fat" even when obviously underweight.
4. In females, absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when otherwise expected to occur (primary or secondary amenorrhea). (A woman is considered to have amenorrhea if her periods occur only following hormone, e.g., estrogen administration.)

Answer 2

Anorexia nervoas, or simply anorexia for short, is a type of eating disorder characterized by strict calorie/food intake reduction and excessive exercise in order to lose an unhealthy amount of weight.