Medical Complications of Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa is often characterized by progressive deterioration in many different organ systems. Most medical complications are the result of starvation and can be reversed with a well-planned refeeding program. While some of the complications of anorexia nervosa are predictable physiologic adaptations to the self-imposed starvation, many others are potentially life threatening. It is therefore incumbent upon all primary care physicians to become familiar with this disorder, because it is increasing in incidence and is commonly burdened by substantial chronicity and recidivism.

Two Young Female Patients with Anorexia Nervosa Complicated by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection

“…Although AN patients are frequently hyperactive and suffer from hidden symptoms of malnutrition, careful examination for opportunistic infections is warranted (30).…”

Academy for eating disorders position paper: Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses

“…Refs. 18 and 19), metabolism, 20,21 and neurochemistry. 22 ) Similar alterations are found in BN 23 where imaging studies show brain ''atrophy'' 24 and altered brain metabolism.…”

Leptin levels in restricting and purging anorectics

“…Long-term data indicate that the mortality rate is 5-10%, with only 50% of patients regaining their normal weight (Mehler, Gray, & Schulte, 1997). Despite its debilitating chronicity, no definite organic cause has been identified to explain this enigmatic disorder.…”