Adolescent Eating Disorder in Primary Care - A Case Study
https://doi.org/10.33591/sfp.45.6.up2
- Author:
Audrey Han
;
Rajeev Ramachandran
;
Lee Gan Goh
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Anorexia Nervosa;
Eating disorder
- From:The Singapore Family Physician
2019;45(6):30-33
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Anorexia Nervosa is one of the eating disorders, as classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the fifth edition. It is characterised by a pathological fear of weight gain associated
with an overwhelming drive for thinness. Patients do present to primary care with vague, non-specific complaints. A heightened degree of suspicion is required for the diagnosis, as patients tend to hide symptoms and are often in denial. We present a case in an 11-year-old girl brought by her mother to the polyclinic with a history of restrictive eating and excessive
exercise for three weeks. This case provided a learning opportunity on the assessment and management of an eating disorder, as well as the adverse effects of undernutrition.
