What is Russell's sign?

Russell's sign refers specifically to the presence of calluses or scars on the knuckles or the back of the hands that arise from the repeated action of inducing vomiting. This is often seen in individuals with bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting.

The formation of calluses occurs due to the physical trauma inflicted on the hands during this process. Recognizing Russell's sign can be an important diagnostic indicator for mental health professionals when assessing patients for disordered eating behaviors.

The other options pertain to different symptoms or conditions that are not related to the specific physiological signs associated with bulimia nervosa. For instance, severe anxiety episodes, confusion and disorientation, and withdrawal symptoms represent various mental health issues but do not directly convey the physical manifestation seen in Russell's sign. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in a psychiatric context, where signs and symptoms can be indicative of underlying issues.