Anorexia nervosa. Emphasis on its medical complications

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a well-recognized heterogeneous psychiatric disorder, associated with high morbidity and mortality with several medical complications. Besides a brief review, this paper also reports on a single female patient with AN. Eating disorders are reported to be slightly more common among western cultures, but developing countries are not immune to eating disorders. This patient showed both the psychopathology of abnormal eating behavior and serious physical complications and despite all possible treatment interventions, she ultimately died. We discuss different aspects of AN including the importance of constant social support from key relatives.