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Suggest Treatment For Anorexia Nervosa

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Posted on Mon, 16 Mar 2015
Question: I am a 44 year old woman who has suffered from anorexia nervosa for 23 years. I have had several hospitalisations over the course of these years. my last 5 years ago where I weighed a mere 29 kilos. I am currently 32.7 kilos in weight, my height is 159cm 5 foot 3, I saw my doctor today who didn't have much to say so really just after a second opinion. my bp was 80/50 and pulse 60. I guess I really need to know whether to seek further medical advice as whether to be hospitalised.... all the above are just numbers to me, so im asking how ill am I??? I do have severe mood swings, I take valium for panic attacks, I am extremely lethargic and have swollen ankles. this is my current situation.
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
These parameters require visit to a psychiatrist

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. As you are aware of the fact that you have anorexia nervosa and your weight is very less considering your height and age. Average weight for your age should be around 55-57 kg but you have significantly lower weight. This could increase risk of a lot of disorders and would also cause a lot of body dysfunctions. Abnormal irregular menstrual cycle or amenorrhea may occur. This is the possible reason of your significantly low BP and pulse rate. Low BP or hypotension may cause significant cardiac problems and may result in deleterious effects on health.

As per my opinion these parameters are in significant abnormal range and you should consider consulting a Psychiatrist again. Though there is no emergency but these changes should not be ignored.

Medicines like Paroxetine, Sertraline etc can be used. These medicines will control mood swings, anxiety, reduce anorexic behaviour and will also improve appetite. With improvement of appetite these parameters would come in normal range.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again for more doubts.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Anorexia Nervosa

Brief Answer: These parameters require visit to a psychiatrist Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. As you are aware of the fact that you have anorexia nervosa and your weight is very less considering your height and age. Average weight for your age should be around 55-57 kg but you have significantly lower weight. This could increase risk of a lot of disorders and would also cause a lot of body dysfunctions. Abnormal irregular menstrual cycle or amenorrhea may occur. This is the possible reason of your significantly low BP and pulse rate. Low BP or hypotension may cause significant cardiac problems and may result in deleterious effects on health. As per my opinion these parameters are in significant abnormal range and you should consider consulting a Psychiatrist again. Though there is no emergency but these changes should not be ignored. Medicines like Paroxetine, Sertraline etc can be used. These medicines will control mood swings, anxiety, reduce anorexic behaviour and will also improve appetite. With improvement of appetite these parameters would come in normal range. Thanks, hope this helps you. Please ask again for more doubts.