Adrienne Key

Progress in eating disorder research

Recent research has continued to add to the body of knowledge on the epidemiology, prevention, treatment and long-term outcome of eating disorders. There has been a significant increase in the number of publications exploring the possible biological correlates of these illnesses. Follow-up studies continue to confirm the high levels of morbidity and mortality associated with anorexia and bulimia nervosa, and highlight the need for ongoing research into treatment and preventative measures. This review will summarize the past year of publications in these areas in addition to the recent research on osteoporosis and reproduction.

Autophonia in anorexia nervosa

OBJECTIVE To increase awareness among clinicians treating otolaryngologic symptoms in very low weight anorexic patients. METHOD Focused clinical examination on admission and regular physical assessments during in-patient stay was conducted and symptoms compared with other in-patients on the eating disorders unit. RESULTS Notable improvement in otolaryngological symptoms on gaining weight. DISCUSSION Ward based clinical examination revealed a normal tympanic membrane in our very low weight anorexic patients. Our results emphasise the possibility of loss of fatty tissue surrounding the Eustachian tube to be the primary cause for their otolaryngological symptoms. We have attempted to increase awareness among clinicians treating anorexic patients with similar symptoms.

Gender issues in the management of multi-impulsive bulimia: A case-study

We describe the management of multi-impulsive bulimia nervosa in a 27-year-old man. Inpatient treatment was attempted using a standardized focal-interpretative (psychodynamic) and cognitive-behavioral approach, with an emphasis on ward milieu. The value of this approach has been proved for female patients in the past. To our knowledge, this is the first report of its usage for a male with multi-impulsive bulimia, and the problems encountered highlight the impact of gender on behavioral symptoms, ward culture, and the predominantly female patient group.