How to Recognize Eating Disorders in Boys

This video shows a 12 year old boy who has struggled with classical anorexia nervosa, including fear of fat, self-denial, increased and compulsive exercise, weight loss and intrusive thoughts of worthlessness and shaming. He is also an excellent student, excels at sports and is personally very tidy. He comes from an intact, highly functional and supportive family and there is a family history of OCD and perfectionism. He is able to talk about “voices” telling him not to eat and what to drink. There are no symptoms of psychosis or delusions except for the delusional belief that he is fat.