Eating Disorders Flashcards
characteristics of anorexia nervosa
distorted body image and excessive dieting that leads to severe weight loss with a pathological fear of becoming fat
ICD 10 criteria for diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
- weight <85% of predicted or BMI <17.5
- fear of weight gain, leading to dieting/excessive exercise
- body image distortion- feeling fat when dangerously underweight
- amenorrhoea
why might some patients with anorexia not have amenorrhoea
might be taking oral contraceptive pill
what BMI prompts urgent referral
<15
what happens in anorexia begins before puberty
delayed puberty or arrested puberty
ECG changes in anorexia
long QT
what is raised in anorexia
growth hormone
cortisol
cholesterol
effects of starvation on the brain
loss of grey + white matter
ventricular enlargement
increased compulsive behaviour
poor concentration + decision making
what is refeeding syndrome
hypophosphatemic state occurs after long period without food
symptoms of refeeding syndrome
rhabdomyolysis resp/cardiac failure decreased BP arrhythmia seizures
prevention of refeeding syndrome
slow initial re feed + blood monitoring
what is bulimia nervosa
recurrent episodes of overeating (at least 2 times per week over a period of 3 months) in which large amounts of food are consumed in a short period of time
criteria for bulimia nervosa
- recurrent episodes of binge characterised by uncontrolled overeating
- preoccupation with control of body weight
- regular use of mechanism to overcome the fattening effects of binges e.g. starvation, vomit indication, laxatives, over exercise
- dread of fatness, feeling disgusted/guilty with behaviour
risk factors for developing an eating disorder
low self esteem perfectionistic obsessional childhood sexual abuse bullying
metabolic complications of eating disorders
dehydration hypothermia hypokalaemia/ hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesia raised LFTs hypoglycaemia
