Patients with undiagnosed eating disorders can present with complaints that are common to the emergency department (ED), such as abdominal pain, chest pain, syncope, and/or palpitations. This can make it difficult for the emergency clinician to recognize that these complaints arise from an underlying eating disorder.
Eating disorders can be difficult to recognize in undiagnosed patients, and they can be difficult to manage even in patients with a known eating disorder. Patients with an eating disorder have a high mortality rate, with the highest risk of death in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Diagnosis of an eating disorder is based on the history and physical examination findings. Review this clinical algorithm for the diagnostic criteria for eating disorders.
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Last Updated on June 12, 2022
