What sign is commonly observed in patients with anorexia nervosa?

Distorted body image is a hallmark sign in patients with anorexia nervosa. Individuals with this disorder have a pervasive and often inaccurate perception of their body size and shape, leading them to view themselves as overweight even when they are significantly underweight. This distorted self-image contributes to the maintenance of restrictive eating behaviors, as they may engage in extreme dieting or other weight control measures in an effort to achieve the body image they desire, which they perceive as being thinner or more ideal.

In contrast, rapid weight gain is not characteristic of anorexia nervosa; instead, patients typically experience severe weight loss. Severe insomnia, while it can occur in various mental health conditions, is not specifically tied to anorexia nervosa. Compulsive exercise can be a behavior seen in some patients with anorexia, but it is not as universally observed as distorted body image. Therefore, distorted body image stands out as the most prominent and defined sign associated with anorexia nervosa.