Medical Crises in Eating Disorders

Book excerpt: Medical Crises in Eating Disorders provides medical clinicians as well as others with an acute awareness of the critical and potentially lethal medical outcomes they may have to face when managing those with eating disorders. This book shares multiple blended patient stories that cover a wide range of medical crises and present a realistic clinical-like experience. The reader will gain insight into the most threatening medical risks described in medical terms and many of the behaviors utilized by those with eating disorders that lead to most of the critical, including lethal, medical risks. Non-eating disorder causes of risk are also discussed throughout the book. Examples of electrocardiogram images, echocardiogram reports, and blood and urine results in addition to hospital chart vital records and excerpts from official coroner’s documents help augment the learning experience. This innovative book is a necessary reference for those who manage the medical concerns of those with eating disorders, including critical care physicians, internists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and family physicians. As well, psychologists, counselors, dietitians, nurse practitioners, and social workers will benefit from an increased awareness of critical medical risks.