Anorexia nervosa: a mistaken diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Internal Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are prevalent in pediatric and young adult populations.
• General practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact, but diagnosis can be delayed.
• Rare but serious medical conditions can mimic eating disorders, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old female presented with symptoms suggestive of an eating disorder.
• Her body mass index (BMI) was below the 0.4th percentile.
• She exhibited classical clinical signs and symptoms.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with primary adrenal failure, also known as Addison's disease.
• The presentation mimicked that of a severe eating disorder.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering rare endocrine disorders in patients presenting with eating disorder symptoms.
• Timely diagnosis of conditions like Addison's disease is crucial to prevent severe health consequences.
• Broadening the differential diagnosis in primary care settings can improve patient outcomes.