Which characteristic is commonly observed in adolescents with anorexia nervosa?

Individuals with anorexia nervosa often exhibit a significant denial of their illness. This characteristic is crucial as it reflects the psychological component of the disorder, where the adolescent may have an altered self-image and cannot recognize the severity of their weight loss or the health risks associated with their eating behavior. This denial can make treatment challenging, as it often requires the individual to acknowledge their condition in order to seek help and adhere to a recovery plan.

In contrast, the other characteristics are less commonly associated with anorexia nervosa. Dismissing food may occur as a behavior linked to the disorder, but it is not as defining as the denial of illness. Seeking intimacy and being extroverted are typically not strong traits of adolescents with anorexia, who may often isolate themselves and withdraw from social interactions due to their preoccupation with body image and food. Therefore, the emphasis on denial as a primary characteristic is pivotal in understanding the nature of this condition and its impact on treatment approaches.