Psychiatric, medical and neurological study of 12 cases of anorexia nervosa

ABSTRACT

Careful evaluation for psychiatric disorders and medical illness were done for 12 cases of anorexia nervosa encountered from November 1989 through October 1990. All patients verified the diagnostic criteria of DSM III R for anorexia nervosa. Their mean age was 18.5 years. Patients were subjected to psychometric study [IQ and Beck's depression scale] as well as routine investigations. The study showed that 41.6% were severely ill, 58.3% required medical care and 50% were depressed. Persistent significant cardiac irregularities were frequent and severe in patients who had abused laxatives and diuretics. The study pointed to the increasing incidence of anorexia and the serious medical complication associated with it