Which of the following characteristics are common in adolescents with anorexia nervosa?

The characteristic commonly associated with adolescents who have anorexia nervosa is secondary amenorrhea. This condition refers to the absence of menstruation in someone who has previously experienced menstrual cycles. In adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa, severe weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can lead to hormonal changes that affect the menstrual cycle, often resulting in missed periods or total cessation of menstruation.

In contrast, characteristics such as increased appetite, weight gain, and high energy levels are not typically seen in this population. Those with anorexia nervosa often experience a significant reduction in appetite and may even fear weight gain due to their distorted body image. Weight loss is prominent, and energy levels can fluctuate, often resulting in fatigue due to inadequate caloric intake. This emphasizes the importance of identifying key symptoms like secondary amenorrhea when assessing adolescents for anorexia nervosa.