From the Guidelines
The management of anorexia and night sweats requires a comprehensive approach that includes identifying and treating the underlying cause, providing symptomatic relief, and addressing nutritional deficiencies. According to the American Psychiatric Association practice guideline for the treatment of patients with eating disorders 1, the initial evaluation should include a thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to rule out serious conditions.
For patients with anorexia nervosa, APA recommends (1C) that patients have individualized goals set for weekly weight gain and target weight 1. Additionally, APA recommends (1B) that adults with anorexia nervosa be treated with an eating disorder-focused psychotherapy 1. Nutritional support is essential, including small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals and oral nutritional supplements.
For night sweats, recommend moisture-wicking bedding and sleepwear, keeping the bedroom cool, and avoiding triggers like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods before bedtime. If night sweats are due to menopause, hormone replacement therapy or non-hormonal options may help. For night sweats due to infection, appropriate antimicrobial therapy is necessary.
Some key points to consider in the management of anorexia and night sweats include:
- Identifying and treating the underlying cause
- Providing symptomatic relief
- Addressing nutritional deficiencies
- Individualized goals for weekly weight gain and target weight for patients with anorexia nervosa
- Eating disorder-focused psychotherapy for adults with anorexia nervosa
- Moisture-wicking bedding and sleepwear, and avoiding triggers for night sweats
- Appropriate antimicrobial therapy for night sweats due to infection
It is also important to note that patients with an eating disorder should have a documented, comprehensive, culturally appropriate, and person-centered treatment plan 1, and that nutritional assessment of all cancer patients should begin with tumor diagnosis and be repeated at every visit 1.
Overall, the management of anorexia and night sweats requires a comprehensive and individualized approach that addresses the underlying cause, provides symptomatic relief, and promotes overall health and well-being.
From the Research
Management Approach for Anorexia and Night Sweats
- The management of anorexia nervosa, which can include symptoms like loss of appetite and potentially night sweats due to the body's reaction to malnutrition, involves a comprehensive approach 2, 3.
- This approach typically includes medical, psychological, nursing, and social interventions to restore a healthy weight, improve eating behaviors, and address psychopathological attitudes 2.
- Treatment may be administered on an inpatient or outpatient basis and involves nutritional and psychologic rehabilitation 3.
- For patients experiencing chronic anorexia nervosa, defining the condition and its therapeutic implications is crucial, considering the high rate of chronicity and risk of relapse 4.
Treatment Options
- Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been found to have a small effect in bulimia nervosa but are not recommended for anorexia nervosa due to their potential to inhibit food intake 5, 6.
- Training of eating behavior and satiety, supply of warmth, reduction of physical hyperactivity, and restoration of social activities have shown promising results in achieving remission in patients with eating disorders 5.
- Pharmacological treatments, including medications for comorbid conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, may also be considered as part of the treatment plan 6.