A case report of an early onset of anorexia nervosa

The early onset cases of anorexia nervosa, which occur in children between the ages of 8 and 14, pose a serious challenge to eating disorders professionals. The interdisciplinary approach to this eating disorder is a prerequisite for timely development of therapeutic strategy and individual approach to the complex needs of the child and family. This case report presents an early onset of anorexia nervosa in a 12-year-old outpatient girl. The history of the case is described, with the stages of awareness of the problem; seeking professional help; nutritional rehabilitation; psychiatric and psychological help that the child and the family receive. A plan for managing the clinical consequences of weight loss, risk assessment tools, as well as the possibilities of a family-oriented approach in providing psychological support are presented. The roles of the various specialists involved in the case and their collaborative work in progress are discussed.