Clinical presentation of anorexia nervosa in males: 24 new cases

Abstract

As part of a larger prognostic study of anorexia nervosa, clinical features at presentation of 24 males with anorexia are described, and compared with a female group matched for date of admission. Data were extracted from the original case records and follow‐up interview. The study confirms the view that males display the classical syndrome of anorexia nervosa, but differs from previous studies in several respects. Age at onset (mean 18.6 years) and at presentation (mean 20.2 years) is later, with a mean duration of illness at presentation of only 1.6 years. A premorbid tendency to obesity is confirmed; maximum weight loss during the illness amounted to 42% matched population mean weight (MPMW), and weight at presentation was 78.5% MPMW, somewhat higher than the female group. In keeping with earlier studies, hinging and vomiting were noted commonly, in around half of sufferers, but laxative abuse was less frequent and excessive exercising more frequent in males. Depressive and obsessional symptoms are common in both groups, and a strong family history of affective disorders and alcohol abuse was noted in over one third.© 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Assessment and managem ent of eating disordered patients who over-exercise: A four-year follow-up of six single case studies

“…W e rem ain, therefore, at the stage of focusing on individual case examples where a specific treatment approach has been adequately followed up. A controlled trial of treatment Ð that includes a significant proportion of m ale anorexics, who m ay be more prone to excessive exercising (Sharp et al, 1993); bulimics; and both restricting and bulimic anorexics Ð may help answer some of the questions posed. However, for the mom ent the findings of this study suggest that there are reasonable grounds for optimism in producing longterm change in the lives of patients with eating disorder.…”

Biological Gender, Sexual Orientation and Gender Role in Eating Disorders

“…Higher rates of premorbid obesity and overweight result to be more common in males than in females (Sharp et al, 1994;Fernández -Aranda et al, 2004), as well as a higher perfectionism and interpersonal distrust (Joiner et al, 2000). As Lewinsohn et al (2002) have indicated in their study, excessive exercising is more frequent in men than in women.…”

Eating Disorders in South African Males: A Review of the Clinical Presentation of Hospitalised Patients

“…It has been suggested that individuals presenting with eating disorders originate from middle to upper social classes (Sharp et al, 1994). This social standing can be closely linked to the work that an individual does (Elias, 1997).…”

“…Affective disorders, such as depression, appear to be the most commonly reported disorder (Anderson, 1999;Cariai et al, 1997;Olivardia et al, 1995;Sharp et al, 1994). Obsessional and anxiety disorders also appear to occur concurrently (Anderson, 1999;Garfinkel & Garner, 1982;Sharp et al 1994). Less common, but still apparent, are co-morbid substance abuse and personality disorders (Anderson, 2001;Cariât et al, 1997;Olivardia et al, 1995).…”

“…A cautionary note must be made as these disorders may be caused by the starva tion syndrome, which is associated with symptoms of anxiety, irritability, low mood, poor concentration, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances and a loss of sexual inter est (Sharp et al, 1994). As a primary diagnosis, however, an eating disorder can be distinguished if it is motivated by the goal of achieving autonomy and effectiveness through corporeal control (Alexander-Mott & Lumsden, 1994).…”