Anorexia Nervosa: Pathology, Consequences & Treatment

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by:

• Restriction → significantly low body weight.
• Intense fear of weight gain, body image distortion.
• Undue influence of weight/shape on self-evaluation.

Medical Complications

• Cardiac: arrhythmia, QT prolongation, cardiomyopathy.
• Endocrine: hypothalamic amenorrhea, bone loss, sick euthyroid.
• GI: gastroparesis, constipation, reflux.
• Electrolyte: hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia (refeeding syndrome risk).
• Neuro: brain volume loss (partially reversible), cognitive impairment.

Treatment

Multidisciplinary: medical stabilization, nutritional rehabilitation, psychotherapy (CBT-E, FBT for adolescents), pharmacotherapy (SSRIs for comorbid anxiety/depression; olanzapine for rigidity).

Early intervention improves prognosis. Full recovery is possible.