[Adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa]

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This paper is a review on the topic of adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa. According to the literature, this disorder presents high morbidity and mortality, with increasing incidence over the last decades, thus enhancing the importance of scientific investigation on the subject. METHODS: The authors performed a non-systematic review of the related literature and also reported their clinical experience. RESULTS: Age and gender are important risk factors. The peak of incidence occurs in adolescence and the prevalence is 9 times higher in females. It was initially believed that anorexia nervosa manifested itself only in higher socioeconomic levels, which are more highly exposed to the demands of western beauty standards. More recent studies have identified similar incidence of this disorder also in lower socioeconomic levels, rural areas and Asian communities. The clinical features are: refusal to maintain weight at or above a minimal normal weight for age; high, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight; disturbance in the way of experiencing one s body weight or shape, and amenorrhea. The most common physical complications are similar to those of chronic malnutrition and depression is the main comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment should be multidisciplinary, taking into account the plurality of etiological factors. Family therapy plays an important role, particularly when this disorder manifests itself during adolescence.