Signs & Symptoms
Name ONE cardiovascular complication that can occur with severe malnutrition.
Bradycardia, hypotension, atrophy, arrhythmias
Name THREE different healthcare professionals that would likely be involved in eating-disorder treatment.
Possible answers: physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, dietitian, nurse, social worker, or other members of an interprofessional team.
Myth or Fact: Lilly's blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose have improved after hospitalization. Her anorexia is cured.
Myth. Her immediate medical instability has improved, but she still needs ongoing eating disorder treatment and follow-up.
Name ONE endocrine complication that can happen with severe malnutrition.
Amenorrhea, elevated cortisol, euthyroid sick syndrome
What is refeeding syndrome?
A potentially serious metabolic complication that can occur when nutrition is restarted in someone who is significantly malnourished.
Myth or Fact: Someone can have anorexia even if they don't personally believe they're sick.
Fact.
What was a warning sign that Lilly may have anorexia nervosa that we read about prior to her being diagnosed?
Possible answers: Avoiding social interactions with food, limiting food intake, constantly exercising, distorted body image.
What are the three criteria to be met for an anorexia nervosa diagnosis according to the DSM-5?
Myth or Fact: Parents are always the cause of their child's anorexia.
Myth. Anorexia has multiple contributing factors and cannot generally be attributed to one person or event.
Why is heart atrophy a physiological complication of severe malnutrition?
Prolonged inadequate nutrition -> Body conserves energy and breaks down tissue -> Loss of cardiac muscle mass -> Smaller, weaker heart
What is the most important electrolyte to monitor for refeeding syndrome?
Phosphate
Myth or Fact: Someone needs to have stopped menstruating to be diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
How does gastroparesis further complicate anorexia nervosa recovery?
Prolonged restriction slows gastric motility. Food stays in stomach longer leading to fullness, bloating, and nausea. Eating feels uncomfortable leading to potential further restriction.
Why might someone with anorexia nervosa be hesitant or unwilling to participate in treatment?
They may fear weight gain, have difficulty recognizing that they are ill, feel unsure about recovery, or feel that the eating disorder provides a sense of control.
Myth or Fact: Recovery from anorexia nervosa is possible.
Fact. Recovery can take time and may involve ongoing support, but eating disorders are treatable and recovery is possible.