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Anorexia Nervosa in an African‐American Female of a Lower Socioeconomic Background
Author(s) -
Maresh R. David,
Willard Susan G.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-0968(199606)4:2<95::aid-erv149>3.0.co;2-p
Subject(s) - anorexia nervosa , malnutrition , psychiatry , socioeconomic status , eating disorders , psychology , population , anorexia , medicine , clinical psychology , environmental health , pathology
The following case study describes the presentation and treatment of an African‐American female from an impoverished family. At initial evaluation, she met all DSM‐III‐R diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa. Her history was significant for extensive emotional, physical and sexual abuse by multiple family members and others. Anorexia nervosa in African‐American females presents unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment. The illness may be overlooked in a population in which weight loss is frequently assumed to result from malnutrition, medical problems, or more common psychiatric diagnoses. Difficulty in procuring and maintaining necessary and appropriate professional treatment presents an additional impediment to comprehensive, effective care.