In addition to being psychologically
painful disorders, it is important to note that anorexia and bulimia are two
of the most potentially fatal psychiatric disorders. If you think you
might have an eating disorder, please get a psychological and medical
evaluation. Both are available to Barnard students (please see virtual
brochure on treatment resources at
Barnard).
Potential Medical Complications of
Anorexia Nervosa:
Anemia
Osteoporosis
Amenorrhea
Increased cholesterol levels
Lanugo (excessive body hair)
Hypothermia
Stunted growth
Infertility
Cataracts
Atrophy of the optic nerve, which can cause blindness
Retinal degeneration
Brain abnormalities
Congestive heart failure
Electrolyte imbalance, which can produce life-threatening consequences
It has been estimated that up to 20% of anorectics die of a complication related to the
disorder.
Potential Medical Complications of Bulimia
Nervosa:
Heart damage
Menstrual abnormalities
Infertility
Pancreatis
Kidney failure
Erosion of tooth enamel
Gastric rupture, which is rare; when it does occur, it has a mortality rate that exceeds
80%
Electrolyte imbalances, which can produce life-threatening consequences
Hair loss
Epileptic seizures
Mucosal ulcers
Although
the mortality rates of bulimia are not yet known, some clinicians believe that they
may be as high as those for anorexia.
Medical
Risks of Binge-Eating Disorder:
Modest deviations in weight have only a small effect on
life expectancy. Research
suggests that weight fluctuations (which can result from binge-eating disorder,
particularly when accompanied by periods of restriction) are more harmful to a
person’s health than a stable, above-average weight.
