Eating Disorders - Highlights

Highlights

Eating Disorders Overview

• Eating disorders typically occur in young women.
• Bulimia nervosa involves a pattern of bingeing and purging. Many people with bulimia nervosa also suffer from depression.
• Anorexia nervosa involves a pattern of self-starvation. Patients often have an accompanying anxiety disorder (such as obsessive compulsive disorder) or depression. Patients with anorexia and depression have a high risk for suicide.

Complications of Bulimia Nervosa

Many medical problems are directly associated with bulimic behavior, including:

• Tooth erosion, cavities, and gum problems
• Water retention, swelling, and abdominal bloating
• Acute stomach distress
• Low potassium levels
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Swallowing problems and esophagus damage

---

---

Complications of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa can increase the risk for serious health problems such as:

• Hormonal changes, including reproductive, thyroid, stress, and growth hormones
• Heart problems such as abnormal heart rhythm
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Fertility problems
• Bone density loss
• Anemia
• Neurological problems

Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa

• Bulimia nervosa is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, which is given along with nutritional counseling, is the preferred psychotherapeutic approach.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), are the first choice for drug therapy.

Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

• Unlike bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa does not respond as well to drug treatment, although SSRIs are sometimes used as an adjunct to psychotherapy.
• Nutritional rehabilitation therapy, which may include the entire family, is an important part of the treatment process.
• Patients who are severely underweight and who have other physical risks may need to be hospitalized while weight is restored.

Review Date: 02/18/2011
Reviewed By: David B. Merrill, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital; and David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).