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Diagnosis> Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

Anorexia Nervosa

Characterised by:

• Markedly low weight - body weight maintained 15% below expected for age and height (BMI < 17.5)

• Weight loss self-induced by: restriction of intake, excessive exercise, self-induced purging, vomiting, use of appetite suppressants/ laxatives/ diuretics

• Cognitive distortions - self-perception of being "too fat" and a morbid fear of fatness

• Endocrine disturbance - amenorrhoea in women, loss of sexual interest and potency in men

 

Bulimia Nervosa

Characterised by:

• Preoccupation with eating and craving of food

• Recurrent episodes of overeating (bingeing)

• Attempts to counteract excess calorie intake by: self-induced vomiting, use of appetite suppressants/ diuretics/ thyroid preparations, periods of starvation

• Self-set weight threshold with self-perception of being "too fat" and a morbid fear of fatness