Medical Complications in Children and Adolescents: A Review of Cardiac Complications in Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders [chapter]

Pei-Yoong Lam
2017 Encyclopedia of Feeding and Eating Disorders  
Eating disorders are a cause of significant morbidity among students. There is a relatively high prevalence in the student population, with binge eating problems and EDNOS reaching a prevalence of 5% in young women. Yet community studies suggest that more than half of clinical cases go undetected. Binge eating problems are associated with a high level of psychological distress. Anorexia nervosa, while less common, carries a high risk in terms of personal health and safety; it has the highest
more » ... tality of all psychiatric disorders both in relation to physical risk and suicidal behaviors. Short duration of illness and early treatment, before the eating disorder has had time to become too entrenched, are good prognostic factors. Without treatment eating disorders tend to run a chronic course with progressively worsening prognosis. Profound weight loss and long duration of illness also carry a bad prognosis. Eating disorders are treatable conditions with the possibility of a full and lasting recovery. It would seem clearly to be in the best interests of students with eating disorders to engage in evidence-based treatments as soon as possible and, for those with more severe illness, to undergo treatment before they proceed with their studies. Obstacles to Diagnosis Early detection in primary care poses considerable challenges. People with eating disorders often conceal their illness. People with bulimia nervosa and binge eating problems may feel guilty and are
doi:10.1007/978-981-287-104-6_117 fatcat:2unlzdixpnhdjgj53r27wnk3nq