Anorexia Nervosa

Key points

• Anorexia: deliberate weight loss (BMI < 17.5), fear of weight gain, distorted body image, amenorrhoea (females).
• Physical complications: bradycardia, hypotension, lanugo hair, osteoporosis, arrhythmias, hypokalaemia (if purging).
• Refeeding syndrome risk when re-feeding: hypophosphataemia, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, fluid overload — monitor electrolytes closely.
• Management: specialist psychological therapy (CBT-E, MANTRA, family therapy in adolescents); medications are NOT primary treatment.
• Olanzapine may be considered for weight restoration adjunct.

Decision points in this pathway

• Re-feeding commencing?

The full step-by-step algorithm, including what to do at each branch, opens in the app for approved members.