Dysfunctional cognitions related to body image, food, and self-worth

Dysfunctional cognitions related to body image, food, and self-worth" refers to maladaptive thought patterns that contribute significantly to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. These dysfunctional cognitions encompass negative beliefs about one's own body shape or weight, rigid rules about food intake ("I am not allowed to eat this"), low self-esteem tied closely with appearance or dietary control, and distorted perceptions of control over eating behaviors. Such cognitive distortions can manifest as absolute or dichotomous thinking ("If I eat this I am a failure"), persistent preoccupation with thinness or weight loss goals, and core maladaptive schemas regarding personal value being contingent on appearance[1][2]. These thought patterns are central features in conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. They are typically assessed using psychometric questionnaires rather than biological assays. While these dysfunctional cognitions represent critical therapeutic targets within psychological treatment frameworks—especially cognitive-behavioral therapy—they do not correspond to a discrete molecule or receptor at the biological level[1][2]. This entry is considered incorrect as a canonical drug target because it describes a set of psychological constructs rather than a specific molecular entity such as an enzyme, receptor, transporter protein, etc.[1][2]

Other names

Dysfunctional cognitions in eating disordersNegative body image thoughtsMaladaptive eating-related schemasDistorted self-worth beliefs related to food/body[1][2]