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A Schoolgirl with Onset of Anorexia Nervosa during a Concealed Pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

J. E. Foster  and
M. E. Jenkins
J. E. Foster
Affiliation:
Department of Child Psychiatry, Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, West Yorkshire
M. E. Jenkins
Affiliation:
Harrogate Child Guidance Clinic, 2 Dragon Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire Southfield Adolescent Unit, 31 Shipton Road, York
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Extract

In anorexia nervosa, amenorrhoea and endocrine disturbance make pregnancy unlikely while the patient's weight is low. Bulimics may conceive at quite a low weight, and anorexics who have regained weight may become pregnant but typically relapse following delivery (Crisp, 1980). Anorexia has also been reported following termination of pregnancy (Thomas & Harris, 1982). Cases of onset of anorexia nervosa with weight loss during pregnancy are rare in the literature, although there are isolated reports (e.g. Weinfeld et al, 1977; Strimling, 1984). Strimling described a treated anorexic who restarted dieting during pregnancy in response to weight gain before she realised that she was pregnant. We report on a schoolgirl who became pregnant at 14 years, whose anorexia began when she was 5 months pregnant and whose pregnancy was not discovered until she was in labour.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 150 , Issue 4 , April 1987 , pp. 551 - 553
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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References

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