Complications of Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa
These are mostly due to malnutrition or vomiting - some can be lethal.
- Lanugo hair - fine, downy hair seen in malnourished patients
- Russell's sign - calluses or knuckles on the back of hand or knuckles due to repeated self-induced vomiting
- Erosion of tooth enamel and other dental signs associated with vomiting
- Loss of secondary sexual characteristics - malnutrition
- Vitamin deficiency states, peripheral neuropathy - malnutrition
- Electrolyte imbalances - due to malnutrition or vomiting
- Hypotension, bradycardia
- Suicide and self-harm are more common
- Death is due to complications e.g. malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance, ruptured oesophagus, cardiac failure
