This document presents a definition and description of anorexia nervosa as a disorder that occurs predominantly in girls and that can affect 1 out of every 250 girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years. The existence of a distorted mental body image among anorexics is discussed and symptoms of the disorder are described, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), denial, induction of vomiting, use of laxatives, abdominal pain, discomfort in swallowing, and constipation. Six criteria recommended by the American Psychiatric Association in diagnosing anorexia nervosa are listed. A brief history of anorexia nervosa is presented, beginning with the first documented case of anorexia nervosa in 1689. Several current available treatments are examined and evaluated, including behavior modification, family therapy, psychotherapy, drug therapy, and hypnotherapy. The document concludes by recommending an eclectic approach to the treatment of anorexia nervosa that borrows from the five treatments evaluated in the previous section and individualizes the treatment for each anorexic. (NB)