Gastrointestinal comorbidities which complicate the treatment of anorexia nervosa

Eat Disord. 2017 Mar-Apr;25(2):122-133. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2016.1255108. Epub 2016 Nov 21.

Abstract

Patients with anorexia nervosa often voice a multitude of symptoms in regards to their gastrointestinal tract. These complaints can complicate the treatment of their eating disorder as they distract attention from the important goal of weight restoration. Moreover, the restricting of certain food groups also makes the task of weight restoration substantially more difficult, or may result in binging. Therefore a working knowledge of common gastrointestinal comorbidities, such as celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastroparesis, is useful when treating a patient who has anorexia nervosa.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anorexia Nervosa / complications*
  • Celiac Disease / complications*
  • Gastroparesis / complications*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / complications*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / complications*