Eating Disorders Flashcards

1
Q

What are the main types of psychiatric conditions involving body image and food?

A
  • anorexia nervosa
  • bulimia nervosa
  • binge eating disorder

These conditions are characterized by unhealthy obsessions with body image and food intake.

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2
Q

Define anorexia nervosa.

A

Individual feels they are overweight despite evidence of normal or low body weight.

Involves restricting calorie intake and often excessive exercise.

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3
Q

What are the clinical features of anorexia nervosa?

A
  • weight loss (15% below expected, BMI <17.5)
  • amenorrhoea
  • lanugo hair
  • hypotension
  • hypothermia
  • mood changes

These features indicate severe malnutrition and its effects.

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4
Q

Define bulimia nervosa.

A

Condition involves binge eating, followed by purging to prevent calories being absorbed.

Individuals may have normal body weight but experience fluctuations.

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5
Q

What are the clinical features of bulimia nervosa?

A
  • erosion of teeth
  • swollen salivary glands
  • mouth ulcers
  • GORD
  • Russell’s sign (callused knuckles)
  • alkalosis (repeated vomiting of hydrochloric acid)

These features result from repeated cycles of binge eating and purging.

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6
Q

Define binge eating disorder.

A

Characterised by episodes of overeating, often as an expression of underlying psychological distress.

Unlike other disorders, it is not restrictive, and patients are likely to be overweight.

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7
Q

What blood results may be seen in restrictive eating disorders?

A
  • anaemia
  • leucopenia (low neutrophils and lymphocytes)
  • thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
  • hypokalaemia (due to vomiting/laxatives)

These results indicate various deficiencies and complications from malnutrition.

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8
Q

What is a key challenge in managing eating disorders?

A

Require specialist services and MDT input.

Management often includes self-help resources and psychological therapies.

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9
Q

What is refeeding syndrome?

A

Occurs when someone with extended severe nutritional deficit resumes eating.

The risk increases with lower BMI and longer malnutrition duration.

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10
Q

What are the pathological effects of refeeding syndrome?

A
  • hypomagnesaemia
  • hypokalaemia
  • hypophosphataemia
  • fluid overload

These effects can lead to serious complications such as arrhythmia and heart failure.

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11
Q

How can refeeding syndrome be prevented?

A
  • slowly reintroducing food with limited calories
  • potassium, phosphate, magnesium and glucose monitoring
  • fluid balance monitoring
  • ECG monitoring
  • supplementation with electrolytes and vitamins, especially B vitamins and thiamine

Prevention is crucial for patients with a history of severe malnutrition.

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