DSM-5 for ASWB Practice Exam 2026 - Free ASWB Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The restricting type of Anorexia Nervosa is primarily characterized by excessive dieting and exercise. Individuals with this subtype engage in significant calorie restriction and may also incorporate excessive levels of physical activity to further reduce their weight. This behavior highlights a persistent fear of gaining weight and a strong desire to be thin, which can lead to severe weight loss and an array of health complications.

The focus on severe dieting and exercise distinguishes this subtype from other behaviors associated with Anorexia Nervosa, such as binge-eating followed by purging or other compensatory behaviors. While such behaviors may occur in the binge-eating/purging type of Anorexia Nervosa, the restricting type is solely focused on caloric restriction without engaging in purging activities. Other behaviors like chewing and spitting food or overeating without remorse also do not align with the defining characteristics of the restricting type, emphasizing the importance of understanding the specific behavioral patterns associated with each subtype of the disorder.