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Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
Anorexia nervosa in a Thai adolescent
R S Areemit1, N Patjanasoontorn
1Division of Ambulatory Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. rosawan@kku.ac.th
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|October 23, 2012
Summary
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is rarely reported in Thailand. This case study details the first Thai adolescent meeting all DSM IV-TR criteria for AN, highlighting eating disorders in diverse regions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Medicine
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious eating disorder with significant physical and psychological consequences.
- While AN is well-documented globally, its prevalence and presentation in Thailand have been infrequently reported.
- Understanding the emergence of AN in diverse socioeconomic contexts is crucial for public health initiatives.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old female adolescent from Khon Kaen, Thailand, presented with symptoms consistent with AN restrictive type.
- This case represents the first documented instance in Thailand fulfilling all Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition - Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) criteria for AN.
- The patient's origin in a region with lower economic output challenges the perception of AN as solely a disorder of affluent urban populations.
Findings:
- The case confirms the existence of anorexia nervosa in adolescents within Thailand, extending beyond the capital city.
- The restrictive subtype of AN was observed, indicating a specific pattern of disordered eating behaviors.
- The diagnosis was established using the comprehensive DSM IV-TR criteria, ensuring clinical rigor.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and recognition of eating disorders among healthcare professionals in Thailand.
- Further research is warranted to explore the sociocultural factors influencing body image, eating attitudes, and behaviors in Thai adolescents.
- Early identification and intervention strategies tailored to the Thai context are essential for managing AN and improving patient outcomes.
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