Self-phlebotomy in eating disorders.
We present the case of a health-care professional with anorexia nervosa who used self-phlebotomy as a form of purge. Self-phlebotomy is most prevalent in young females employed in medical or paramedical professions. The occurrence in eating disorders of severe, unexplained, or rapidly appearing anemia; unexplained needle tracks, or past or present employment as a health-care worker should raise suspicion of self-phlebotomy.
Grewal
S
S
Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia.
Birmingham
C L
CL
D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000209:etiology; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018962:Phlebotomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis