Anorexia nervosa - Case Study Example

Thus, the patient does not see herself as a person without an eating disorder would see herself; she needs to control her thoughts and emotions (ANAD, 2009). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the typical treatment for both types of anorexia. SSRIs may be indicated if the anorexia co-occurs with another psychiatric disorder (APA, 2009). Sometimes it is a singular event in the child’s life which leads to eating disorders; sometimes it is a pattern of repeated behavior. The physician may not be equipped to assess the extent of the patient’s emotional states regarding her relationship to food, but a few well-placed questions can reveal much.

The fact that Sara was diagnosed by a previous medical professional as having an eating disorder will probably lead to a repeat diagnosis; this may or may not be true. The child will not recover from her disorder without psychiatric intervention including cognitive behavior therapy, in which her behaviors and emotional states are modified and she is retrained to think and act in healthy ways. A complete review of systems should be performed. Growth patterns, weight, weight loss or gain (especially when there is no evidence of weight gain), general health, and so on should be explored, along with asking about usual activities such as eating and exercise.

An examination of the skin could reveal excess hair; dry, yellow or blotchy skin; cracked fingernails; and other signs of malnutrition. An overview of eyes, ears, nose, mouth and throat may reveal complaints of headaches or dizziness, nose bleeds, dental difficulties (especially in the case of a binge-purge anorexic), or stiffness or tenderness in the thyroid area. A muscular examination could reveal atrophy; if the patient exercises excessively, body fat levels will be extremely low. A cardiovascular exam including listening to the heart and taking blood pressure