The purpose of this study was to investigate the presentation and outcome of anorexia nervosa (AN) within the pediatric population. A retrospective chart review of individuals who were admitted for the first time to hospital between 2000-2005 for treatment of AN was completed. Individuals were classified as Early Pediatric AN (admitted <14 years old) or Later Pediatric AN (≥14 years old). It was hypothesized that the Early Pediatric AN group would have a less severe presentation, as measured by percent ideal body weight (%IBW) and medical stability at admission, and better outcome as measured by rate of weight gain post-discharge, number of hospitalizations and the Morgan-Russell General Outcome Scale rating. The study contained a total of 207 cases, larger than many previous studies in pediatric AN. The study found that younger age at presentation was associated with admission at a higher %IBW but not medical stability. Age at presentation did not predict rate of weight gain or rehospitalization; however, the Early Pediatric AN group had a better outcome on the Morgan-Russell scale.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presentation and outcome of anorexia nervosa (AN) within the pediatric population. A retrospective chart review of individuals who were admitted for the first time to hospital between 2000-2005 for treatment of AN was completed. Individuals were classified as Early Pediatric AN (admitted <14 years old) or Later Pediatric AN (≥14 years old). It was hypothesized that the Early Pediatric AN group would have a less severe presentation, as measured by percent ideal body weight (%IBW) and medical stability at admission, and better outcome as measured by rate of weight gain post-discharge, number of hospitalizations and the Morgan-Russell General Outcome Scale rating. The study contained a total of 207 cases, larger than many previous studies in pediatric AN. The study found that younger age at presentation was associated with admission at a higher %IBW but not medical stability. Age at presentation did not predict rate of weight gain or rehospitalization; however, the Early Pediatric AN group had a better outcome on the Morgan-Russell scale.

Text in English / Two consecutive referrals of early onset (symptom onset at 11 years) anorexia nervosa (restricting sub-type) to an inpatient eating disorders unit in a psychiatric hospital, will be described. Within both cases, there was a history of sequential mother-daughter dieting prior to the daughter's onset of anorexic symptoms. This pattern will be viewed from the perspective of systemic theory, with reference to the cybernetic processes implicated in the onset and maintenance of symptoms. Structural systemic interpretations, in terms of exchangeable senses of self within the mother-daughter pairs, will also be considered. A brief comment will be made about the symmetry which underlies the choreography of anorexia nervosa when viewed from the perspective of communication theory. The implications for intervention will be addressed. In conclusion, the nature of the intergenerational transmission of disordered eating behaviours, will be considered with reference to the nature-nurture debate. / Clinical Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Text in English / Two consecutive referrals of early onset (symptom onset at 11 years) anorexia nervosa (restricting sub-type) to an inpatient eating disorders unit in a psychiatric hospital, will be described. Within both cases, there was a history of sequential mother-daughter dieting prior to the daughter's onset of anorexic symptoms. This pattern will be viewed from the perspective of systemic theory, with reference to the cybernetic processes implicated in the onset and maintenance of symptoms. Structural systemic interpretations, in terms of exchangeable senses of self within the mother-daughter pairs, will also be considered. A brief comment will be made about the symmetry which underlies the choreography of anorexia nervosa when viewed from the perspective of communication theory. The implications for intervention will be addressed. In conclusion, the nature of the intergenerational transmission of disordered eating behaviours, will be considered with reference to the nature-nurture debate. / Clinical Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)