Orthorexia Nervosa - Fad or Fact? Understanding and Diagnosing Psychiatric Disorders Through a Neurobiological Lens

Abstract

Orthorexia nervosa has gained popularity in the media and recent studies have shown high prevalence rates and significant impairment for those affected. However, the disorder is not yet recognized by diagnostic manuals with the scientific community debating whether it is a disorder in its own right, part of a complex criteria for another disorder or pure media frenzy. Orthorexia nervosa displays levels of obsessive- compulsive and disordered eating characteristics, without the necessary criteria for either diagnosis. This thesis aims to provide a thorough yet focused review and analysis of the literature surrounding the disorder to attempt to promote a clinically useful framework for diagnosis, treatment and future research using a neurobiological approach.