She eats only twice a day and eats the same thing every day. Now, at 8 AM, she eats apples, which she slices until they are very thin, and dips in yogurt. Between 9 and 11 PM, she has a second meal: numerous packages of oatmeal with loads of cinnamon, and more apples.
Every 6 to 8 months, she tries different foods and different patterns. Occasionally she is normal, but basically this routine has gone on for years.
My concern is she is a skeleton and has few, if any, menstrual cycles. She also has epilepsy.
We have convinced her seek professional help. My questions are:
1. How patient do I need to be, since I do not see any improvement and have not had any contact with this professional.
2. Are there any kinds of clinical treatments that may benefit her?
3. What would you call her disorder?
Answered by:Evelyn Attia
As you know, it is impossible to diagnose a patient from any brief description, but here is what I can offer: Anorexia nervosa frequently co-occurs with OCD. You may be dealing with a situation in which both conditions or present, rather than one or the other.
If weight is significantly low, menses have been interrupted, and eating is limited, and no medical condition explains the disturbance, anorexia nervosa is likely present. Even if OCD is also present, anorexia nervosa is the condition in need of urgent intervention since it is an illness associated with significant rates of medical complication and even the possibility of death. Being pro-active and trying to find effective treatment for a loved one is commendable!
Evelyn Attia, M.D.
Director, Eating Disorders Research Program
Dr. Evelyn Attia is The Director of The Columbia Center for Eating Disorders at NYSPI/CUMC, and a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons.
Dr. Attia received an A.B. from Princeton University, and an M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. Formerly the director of NYSPI's inpatient eating disorders program, Dr. Attia is currently studying the psychobiology and treatment of anorexia nervosa. She has received a Young Investigator Award from the National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD),...
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