[Anorexia nervosa in male adolescents. I: Clinical findings]

Abstract

In six male patients with anorexia nervosa (a.n.) we describe the anamnestic data, the course of disease and progress in therapy. We also present the results of psychological testing and organic investigations. The mean weight loss at the time of first investigation at the clinic was 70% of ideal body weight. The mean time between first symptoms of a.n. and the first admission at the clinic was 19 months. The psychopathological status showed in all six patients symptoms of obsessive, in two patients additional of depressive behavior. This finding is in contradiction to the result in 61 female patients with a.n., where hysteriformic and depressive symptoms predominated (36). The follow up time reached from 18 to 84 months (mean 49 months). At the time of last control-investigation we found only one patient restored to health, two patients showed a positive progression. In two patient the psychiatric situation was nearly unchanged, one patient committed suicide. The three patients without positive therapeutic effect were three times respectively six times at the inpatient department and discontinued two times or also three times the psychotherapy. In our experience the course of disease in male patients with a.n. seems to be more serious and more resistant to therapy than in female patients.