Eating Disorders

Question 1

What are the three major types of eating disorders?

Answer 1

Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Otherwise not Specified (EDNOS; subclinical disorders and binge eating)

Question 2

How do you diagnose Anorexia Nervosa?

Answer 2

BMI < 17.5
Amenorrhoea
Core psychopathology

Question 3

How do you diagnose Bulimia Nervosa?

Answer 3

BMI > 17.5
Regular binge/purge 2x week
Core psychopathology

Question 4

What is the prevalence of Anorexia Nervosa?

Answer 4

1 in 250 women

1 in 2000 men

Question 5

What is the prevalence of Bulimia Nervosa?

Answer 5

1 in 50 women

1 in 500 men

Question 6

What is the core psychopathology of eating disorders?

Answer 6

Fear of fatness
Pursuit of thinness
Body dissatisfaction
Body image distortion
Self evaluation based on weight and shape

Question 7

What is the biggest cause of death in eating disorders?

Answer 7

Cardiac complications

Question 8

How to perform a physical risk assessment for eating disorders?

Answer 8

1. Clinical history and physical examination
2. Body mass index (BMI)
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
4. Blood investigations

Question 9

Differential diagnoses?

Answer 9

• Depression
• Somatoform disorders
• OCD
• Hypopituitarism
• Addison’s disease
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Carcinoma
• TB

Question 10

Where are most patients treated? Inpatient or outpatient?

Answer 10

Outpatient

Question 11

Which eating disorder is treatable with medication?

Answer 11

Bulimia nervosa (fluoxetine 60mg daily)