Anorexia nervosa in an elderly woman

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate a case of anorexia nervosa in the elderly and to highlight the need for broadening of current diagnostic criteria.

Clinical picture: First onset of anorexia nervosa in a 72-year-old woman following bereavement of her husband.

Treatment: Nine treatments of electroconvulsive therapy.

Outcome: Treatment resulted in remission of the depressive symptoms and improvement of eating behaviour.

Conclusions: Anorexia nervosa does occur in the elderly and can be difficult to detect. Where comorbid depression exists it requires aggressive treatment.