clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Possible clinical features include:
- concerns about shape and weight
- intractable urge to overeat
- binges occur in isolation
- binge eating first induces a feeling of relief and then one of disgust; the patient may then induce vomiting
- complications of repeated vomiting:
- potassium depletion - causing cardiac arrhythmias, renal impairment, muscular paralysis
- erosion of dental enamel
- callouses over knuckles - from scraping against incisors when inducing vomiting
- swollen salivary glands - particularly, the parotids
- weight usually within the normal range
General psychopathology:
- depressed mood - more marked than in anorexia nervosa
- impaired concentration
- social withdrawal - less marked than in anorexia nervosa
- self-harm tendencies are common, usually by scratching or cutting (1)
Patients may complain of fatigue, lethargy, a bloated feeling, constipation, sore throat, and abdominal pain. Irregular menstruation may be seen (1).
Reference: