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Acquired pseudo eating disorder. An imitation or fabrication of anorexia nervosa
1Department of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Children's Hospital National Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20020.
Abstract:
Acquired pseudo eating disorder is a condition characterized by the development or fabrication of symptoms corresponding to an eating disorder in a patient hospitalized for an unrelated medical illness, who has previously been exposed to a patient(s) with anorexia nervosa. Two adolescent patients developed an eating disorder during medical hospitalization. Both acquired the condition while hospitalized for another reason (myelomeningocele and multiple sclerosis, respectively). The potential psychodynamics suggested the selection of an "eating disorder," amenable to control, over the reality of a threatening illness that was experienced as being out of control. Thus, the new and dramatic symptoms appeared to serve as a defense against a pervasive underlying depression. The patient's loudly proclaimed "eating disorder" seemed to originate from the imitation of anorexia nervosa patients. Recognition of this hospital-acquired pseudo eating disorder and appropriate counseling resulted in rapid resolution of the symptoms. It is possible to identify a pseudo eating disorder developing during a hospitalization and differentiate it from "true" anorexia nervosa.
Insights
Hospitalized patients can develop pseudo eating disorders by imitating anorexia nervosa patients. Early recognition and counseling rapidly resolve these acquired eating disorder symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pediatrics
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Acquired pseudo eating disorder involves fabricated eating disorder symptoms in hospitalized patients.
- This condition arises after exposure to individuals with anorexia nervosa.
- Patients may adopt these symptoms as a coping mechanism for uncontrollable medical illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe acquired pseudo eating disorder in adolescent inpatients.
- To explore the psychodynamics behind developing these symptoms.
- To highlight diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
Main Methods:
- Case study of two adolescent patients hospitalized for unrelated medical conditions.
- Analysis of symptom development during hospitalization.
- Psychological assessment and counseling interventions.
Main Results:
- Two adolescent patients developed pseudo eating disorder symptoms during hospitalization for myelomeningocele and multiple sclerosis.
- Symptoms appeared to be a defense against underlying depression and a way to exert control.
- Imitation of anorexia nervosa patients was suggested as the origin.
- Prompt recognition and counseling led to rapid symptom resolution.
Conclusions:
- Pseudo eating disorder is a recognizable condition distinct from true anorexia nervosa.
- It can develop in hospitalized patients as a coping mechanism.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for effective management.