Eating disorders Flashcards
Low body weight due to the restriction of food, intense fear of gaining weight
Anorexia nervosa
Binge-eating followed by compensatory behaviours e.g. vomiting, laxative abuse
Bulimia nervosa
Recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviours, marked by feelings of lack of control
Binge eating disorder
Atypical eating disorders
Closely resemble anorexia/bulimia/binge eating but do not meet the precise diagnostic criteria
Highest risk group for developing eating disorders?
Adolescent/young adult females
Commonest causes of death in anorexia nervosa? (3)
Cardiac complications
Severe infection
Suicide
Russell’s sign
Knuckle calluses from self-induced vomiting
Screening tool for eating disorders
SCOFF questionnaire- two or more positive answers are suggestive of bulimia/anorexia
Tool for risk assessment/management of anorexia patients?
(Junior) MARSIPAN- management of really sick patients with anorexia nervosa
How is muscle strength assessed in eating disorder?
SUSS test (sit-up, stand, squat)
Raised ESR might indicate..?
Organic cause of weight loss (usually normal in anorexia)
GP management of suspected eating disorder?
Immediate referral- do not use a watchful waiting strategy. Regular review in the meantime
When should emergency admission be considered? (7)
BMI < 13 Rate of weight loss > 1kg per week Cardiovascular instability e.g. bradycardia, hypotension Hypothermia Reduced muscle power on SUSS Electrolyte imbalance/hypoglycaemia Acute mental health risk
Advice for patients:
a) vomiting
b) laxatives and diuretics
a) do not brush teeth immediately after vomiting; instead rinse with water or non-acidic mouthwash
b) laxatives and diuretics do not reduce calorie absorption- advise to gradually stop
Choice of contraceptive in eating disorder patients?
LARC e.g. implant, Mirena
