What is a key difference between anorexia nervosa and major depression in terms of appetite?

In anorexia nervosa, individuals often have a significantly reduced appetite and may actively avoid food due to intense fear of weight gain and distorted body image. This is a hallmark feature of the disorder, as those with anorexia have a compelling drive to restrict their intake and may even deny hunger.

In contrast, major depression frequently presents with changes in appetite that commonly include a decrease, but some individuals may experience an increase in appetite and weight gain due to emotional eating. However, the significant aspect to note is that when appetite is decreased in major depression, it does not align with the intense fear and avoidance characteristic of anorexia.

Therefore, the assertion that anorexia nervosa has a good appetite while major depression has a poor appetite is inaccurate. Individuals with anorexia typically do not have any urge or interest in eating, whereas some people struggling with depression may still have episodes of eating normally or even excessively.