From the Research
The most common finding on physical examination in a 16-year-old patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa is lanugo, which is a fine, downy hair growth on the body, as this symptom is directly related to the patient's condition and is a common physical finding in anorexia nervosa. Patients with anorexia nervosa typically develop this symptom as a physiological adaptation to conserve heat due to loss of insulating body fat. Other common physical findings in anorexia nervosa include dry skin, brittle hair and nails, and cold intolerance. Dental erosions are more commonly associated with bulimia nervosa due to frequent vomiting that exposes teeth to stomach acid 1. Hyperactive bowel sounds and hyperhidrosis are not typically characteristic findings in anorexia nervosa.
Some of the key physical findings in anorexia nervosa include:
- Lanugo (fine, downy hair growth on the body)
- Dry skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Cold intolerance These symptoms are a result of the body's attempt to adapt to severe caloric restriction and malnutrition.
It's worth noting that the provided studies, such as 2, 3, 4, and 5, discuss the treatment and pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa, but do not directly address the most common physical findings. However, study 1 provides a comprehensive overview of anorexia nervosa, including its effects on the body and common physical findings.
In terms of treatment, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been found to be effective in preventing relapse in patients with anorexia nervosa, especially after weight restoration 5. However, this information is not directly relevant to the question of the most common physical finding on examination.
Overall, the most important consideration in the physical examination of a patient with anorexia nervosa is to identify symptoms that are directly related to the patient's condition and to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as the outcome.