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Eating Disorders among Adolescents in a Tertiary Care Centre in India

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Abstract

Objective

To analyse the clinical profile of eating disorders (ED) among adolescent patients living in India.

Methods

This is a descriptive study of a series of seven adolescent patients presenting to a tertiary care centre with characteristic clinical features of eating disorder.

Results

Of the seven adolescents with ED there were 3 boys and 4 girls. Physical examination, psychiatric assessment and investigations confirmed the diagnosis of ED in all seven. Five adolescents were managed with nutritional rehabilitation and family based therapy as inpatients for about 3 wk. One was treated in the outpatient clinic and one was unwilling for treatment. Four patients who had strong family support recovered, 1 had minimal weight gain and 2 were lost to follow up.

Conclusions

The characteristic form of adolescent onset ED exists among adolescents living in India. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is essential for a good outcome. This article was written to sensitize health care professionals, pediatricians in particular about the existence of ED among adolescents living in India and the current acceptable principles of management of this potentially fatal illness.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, 632004, India

    Mona M. Basker, Sarah Mathai & Sophy Korula

  2. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India

    Priya Mary Mammen

Authors
  1. Mona M. Basker
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  2. Sarah Mathai
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  3. Sophy Korula
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  4. Priya Mary Mammen
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Correspondence to Mona M. Basker.

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Basker, M.M., Mathai, S., Korula, S. et al. Eating Disorders among Adolescents in a Tertiary Care Centre in India. Indian J Pediatr 80, 211–214 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-012-0819-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-012-0819-4

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