Adherence
The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Anorexia Nervosa, specifically the removal of amenorrhea as a required criterion and the shift from '85% of ideal body weight' to 'significantly low weight', improve diagnostic accuracy for athletes, particularly females, males, and adolescents.
Do not use BMI or menstrual status to rule out Anorexia Nervosa in athletes. If an athlete exhibits significantly low weight, intense fear of weight gain, and body image disturbance, they may have AN even if their periods are regular or their BMI is 'normal'. Use the DSM-5 criteria which focus on health impact rather than rigid weight numbers.
Removing amenorrhoea as a diagnostic requirement also facilitates the diagnosis of anorexia in men, postmenopausal women and adolescents with delayed menarche.
Why this rating
Based on the paper's review of DSM-5 changes and cited studies showing reduced EDNOS diagnoses.
Source
2016 update on eating disorders in athletes: A comprehensive narrative review with a focus on clinical assessment and management
Elizabeth A. Joy et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2016
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