Anorexia nervosa and steroid withdrawal.
We report a case of anorexia nervosa in a 14-year-old girl following withdrawal of oral prednisolone used in the treatment of asthma. The patient exhibited depressed affect and disturbance of body image prior to onset of anorexia. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of anorexia nervosa precipitated by steroid withdrawal. The pathogenesis is discussed with reference to recent literature, considering both the physiological and psychological impact of steroid withdrawal.
Morgan
J
J
St. George's Hospital, London, UK.
Lacey
J H
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002032:Bulimia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011239:Prednisolone