title: Medical complications of anorexia nervosa.
abstract: Anorexia nervosa is often characterized by progressive deterioration in many different organ systems. Most medical complications are the result of starvation and can be reversed with a well-planned refeeding program. While some of the complications of anorexia nervosa are predictable physiologic adaptations to the self-imposed starvation, many others are potentially life threatening. It is therefore incumbent upon all primary care physicians to become familiar with this disorder, because it is increasing in incidence and is commonly burdened by substantial chronicity and recidivism.
authors.affiliation: Denver Health Medical Center, Division of General Internal Medicine, Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Mehler
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schulte
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D004035:Diet Therapy; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D013217:Starvation / Q000503:physiopathology*