Eating Disorders

Question 1

Subtypes of anorexia

Answer 1

Restricting subtype and binge-eating/purging anorexia

Question 2

Other forms of eating disorders

Answer 2

ARFID (avoidant restrictive food intake disorder)
Pervasive refusal disorder
Diabulimia

Question 3

Causes of anorexia nervosa

Answer 3

Genetics
Personality traits
Other mental health issues - anxiety, OCD
Hobbies - athletes, dancers
FHx

Question 4

Clinical features of anorexia nervosa

Answer 4

Low BMI
hypotension
bradycardia
enlarged salivary glands
lanugo hair
amenorrhoea

Question 5

Biochemistry results in someone with anorexia nervosa

Answer 5

Hypokalaemia
Low sex hormone levels
Raised GH and cortisol levels
Hypercholesterolaemia

Question 6

Insight in anorexia patients

Answer 6

Insight is often very poor, not knowing they have an eating disorder

Question 7

Characteristics of anorexia nervosa

Answer 7

Deliberate weight loss, induced and sustained by the patient - fears of becoming fat, great concerns over weight and shape

Question 8

Characteristics of bulimia

Answer 8

Episodes of binge eating food followed by purging usually by induced vomiting or laxative abuse. Sufferers may have normal BMI

Question 9

Physical features of someone with bulimia nervosa

Answer 9

Dental erosion
Parotid gland swelling
Russell’s sign - scarring on fingers from induced vomiting