Bulgarian Journal of Psychiatry, 2022; 7(4):30-35

CASE REPORT FOR 16 YEARS OLD GIRL WITH ANOREXIA NERVOSA AND EXTREME LOW BODY MASS INDEX

Gabriela Gacheva, Petar Petrov

Medical University „P. Stoyanov“ – Varna, and University Hospital „Sv. Marina“ – Varna

Abstact: Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by food restriction, low weight, body image disturbance, fear of gaining weight, and desire to be thin. The debut of the disorder is usually in adolescence, but in last years even in childhood. Due to denial from the parents and stigma as regards to all psychiatric diseases, specialized care seeking is usually late in the development of the disorder. The case presented here is of a 16 years old girl with anorexia nervosa, BMI – 10.4, need of treatment in intensive care unit and cardiovascular complications. Cardiovascular complications in anorexia nervosa are common, various and potentially fatal, therefore require targeted cardiac monitoring and treatment. Treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa, especially when complications are present, from multy-disciplinary team of specialists and mandatory participation of extended family members in the process, allows full recovery. The ability to follow up patients after the in-patient hospitalization period is also key.

Key words: anorexia nervosa, cardiovascular complications

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