Anorexia Nervosa in an Elderly Woman

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a case of anorexia nervosa in the elderly and to highlight the need for broadening of current diagnostic criteria. CLINICAL PICTURE: First onset of anorexia nervosa in a 72-year-old woman following bereavement of her husband. TREATMENT: Nine treatments of electroconvulsive therapy. OUTCOME: Treatment resulted in remission of the depressive symptoms and improvement of eating behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Anorexia nervosa does occur in the elderly and can be difficult to detect. Where comorbid depression exists it requires aggressive treatment.