The Incidence of Anorexia Nervosa Among U.S. Adolescent Girls

The incidence of anorexia nervosa in the U.S. is estimated to be approximately ________.

a. 1 out of 10 adolescent girls
b. 1 out of 10,000 adolescent girls
c. 1 out of 1000 adolescent girls
d. 1 out of 100 adolescent girls

Final answer:

The closest estimated incidence of anorexia nervosa among U.S. adolescent girls is about 1 out of 100, based on the prevalence range given. However, exact rates may vary.

Explanation:

The incidence of anorexia nervosa in the U.S. among adolescent girls is not precisely defined by any of the given options (a. 1 out of 10 adolescent girls, b. 1 out of 10,000 adolescent girls, c. 1 out of 1000 adolescent girls, d. 1 out of 100 adolescent girls). Based on the provided statistics, estimates of the prevalence generally range from just under one percent to just over four percent in women, with rates considerably lower for men.

We can deduce that option d, 1 out of 100 adolescent girls, is the closest to this prevalence range, although the exact incidence rate may vary from study to study. It is crucial to understand that conditions like anorexia nervosa are serious, potentially fatal mental health disorders that are influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

What are some potential risk factors for the development of anorexia nervosa? Some potential risk factors for the development of anorexia nervosa include genetic predisposition, psychological factors such as low self-esteem and perfectionism, societal pressure for thinness, traumatic life events, and dieting behaviors.
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