Clinical Profile of Adolescent Onset Anorexia Nervosa at a Tertiary Care Center

Objectives To study the clinical profile and outcome of adolescent onset anorexia nervosa at a tertiary care center in Southern India. Method Review of hospital records of adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Outcome was assessed for those with a follow-up of atleast one year, by outpatient visit or by a telephonic interview. Findings Data of 43 patients (28% males) with mean (SD) age at presentation of 13.4 (1.7) years were included. The mean (SD) BMI at presentation was 13.8 (3.2) kg/m 2 , the lowest being 8.3 kg/m 2 . 33 (76%) patients were hospitalized for nutritional rehabilitation. Of the 15 patients followed up 1–5 years later, one had died and 11 had achieved normal weight for age. Conclusion As compared to other studies, this study showed a higher proportion of boys with anorexia nervosa. Further research is necessary to understand factors affecting long-term outcome.