Eating Disorders
Diagnosis> Eating Disorders
Anorexia Nervosa
Characterised by:
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Markedly low weight - body weight maintained 15% below expected for age and height (BMI < 17.5)
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Weight loss self-induced by: restriction of intake, excessive exercise, self-induced purging, vomiting, use of appetite suppressants/ laxatives/ diuretics
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Cognitive distortions - self-perception of being "too fat" and a morbid fear of fatness
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Endocrine disturbance - amenorrhoea in women, loss of sexual interest and potency in men
Bulimia Nervosa
Characterised by:
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Preoccupation with eating and craving of food
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Recurrent episodes of overeating (bingeing)
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Attempts to counteract excess calorie intake by: self-induced vomiting, use of appetite suppressants/ diuretics/ thyroid preparations, periods of starvation
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Self-set weight threshold with self-perception of being "too fat" and a morbid fear of fatness