Eating Disorders Flashcards
What is the most common cause of admissions to child and adolescent psychiatric wards?
Anorexia Nervosa
What are leading causes of death in anorexia nervosa?
starvation and suicide
PACES: Prognosis in anorexia nervosa
1/3 recover, 1/3 partial, 1/3 chronic
What is anorexia defined as?
A disorder characterised by:
Deliberate weight loss (restricted dietary choice, excessive exercise, purging and use of appetite suppressants/diuretics)
Morbid dread of being overweight (intrusive overvalued idea)
Disturbance of bodily function (endocrine and metabolic)
Triad in anorexia nervosa
Deliberate weight loss
Morbid dread of being overweight
Disturbance of bodily function
Specific features of anorexia nervosa
Significant weight loss that is self-induced
Perception of being too fat, with an obsessional dread of becoming fat
Endocrine disturbance
Endocrine abnormalities seen in anorexia nervosa
Amenorrhoea
Loss of Libido
Investigations for anorexia nervosa
Examination: weight, height, lanugo hair, BP, squat test
Bloods and UDS
Low: ESR, Hb, Plt, WCC, Na, K, Ph, T4
High: GH, cortisol, cholesterol, LFT
ECG: bradycardia, arrhythmia, prolonged QT
DEXA: osteoporosis (if > 2-year history)
Rating Scale – eating attitudes test
PACES: What rating scale do you use in anorexia nervosa?
eating attitudes test
What is raised on the bloods in anorexia nervosa?
GH, cortisol, cholesterol, LFT
What is low on the bloods in anorexia nervosa?
ESR, Hb, Plt, WCC, Na, K, Ph, T4
What may be seen on examination of anorexia nervosa?
weight, height, lanugo hair, BP, squat test
What comorbid psychiatric illnesses often coincide with anorexia nervosa?
Depression, OCD and substance misuse are common
Management of anorexia nervosa
Engagement
Psycho-education
Treat comorbid psychiatric illness
Depression, OCD and substance misuse are common
Nutritional management and weight restoration
Psychotherapies
Overview of 1st Line Options
CBT-ED
Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment in Adults (MANTRA)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)
1st line options for psychotherapy in patients with anorexia nervosa
CBT-ED
Maudsley Anorexia Nervosa Treatment in Adults (MANTRA)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)
1st line management in children with anorexia nervosa
1st line: Family Therapy
Review 4 weeks after treatment, then every 3 months
When is medical treatment needed in anorexia nervosa?
Particularly important if there are physical complications, rapid weight loss or BMI < 13.5
When is inpatient treatment necessary for anorexia nervosa?
May be necessary if:
BMI < 13 or extremely rapid weight loss
Serious physical complications
High suicide risk