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A Schoolgirl with Onset of Anorexia Nervosa during a Concealed Pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

J. E. Foster
Affiliation:
Department of Child Psychiatry, Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, West Yorkshire
M. E. Jenkins
Affiliation:
Harrogate Child Guidance Clinic, 2 Dragon Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire Southfield Adolescent Unit, 31 Shipton Road, York

Extract

In anorexia nervosa, amenorrhoea and endocrine disturbance make pregnancy unlikely while the patient's weight is low. Bulimics may conceive at quite a low weight, and anorexics who have regained weight may become pregnant but typically relapse following delivery (Crisp, 1980). Anorexia has also been reported following termination of pregnancy (Thomas & Harris, 1982). Cases of onset of anorexia nervosa with weight loss during pregnancy are rare in the literature, although there are isolated reports (e.g. Weinfeld et al, 1977; Strimling, 1984). Strimling described a treated anorexic who restarted dieting during pregnancy in response to weight gain before she realised that she was pregnant. We report on a schoolgirl who became pregnant at 14 years, whose anorexia began when she was 5 months pregnant and whose pregnancy was not discovered until she was in labour.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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