Clinical Profile of Adolescent Onset Anorexia Nervosa at a Tertiary Care Center

To study the clinical profile and outcome of adolescent onset anorexia nervosa at a tertiary care center in Southern India.

Review of hospital records of adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Outcome was assessed for those with a follow-up of atleast one year, by outpatient visit or by a telephonic interview.

Data of 43 patients (28% males) with mean (SD) age at presentation of 13.4 (1.7) years were included. The mean (SD) BMI at presentation was 13.8 (3.2) kg/m2, the lowest being 8.3 kg/m2. 33 (76%) patients were hospitalized for nutritional rehabilitation. Of the 15 patients followed up 1-5 years later, one had died and 11 had achieved normal weight for age.

As compared to other studies, this study showed a higher proportion of boys with anorexia nervosa. Further research is necessary to understand factors affecting long-term outcome.