Anorexia nervosa
1983
Crisp, A.H.
An historical review of anorexia nervosa includes diagnosis, etiology, treatment and prognostic indicators. Little has been proved about the prevalence of the condition but from available information in Britain there are probably more than 10,000 severely affected patients with the fatality rate about 1 in 20. Anorexia nervosa appears to be the most common cause of longlasting emaciation in the young adult and diagnosis is difficult because of the anorectic's need for secrecy. Definitive diagnosis depends upon recognition of abnormal behaviors and the underlying terror of weight gain. Theories of etiology lean toward the psychogenic causes. Treatment involves both the physiological and psychological aspects (e.g., refeeding and counseling). Prognostic indicators are described. Although people of lower socioeconomic status are less prone to develop anorexia, when it occurs in this group, the outcome is poor. Family behavior appears to influence greatly the development of anorexia in those of higher socioeconomic status with outcome based on behavior changes. (kbc)
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