Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Psychiatric Eating Disorders Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa or Atypical Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Aim Anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) are associated with significant malnutrition. However, symptomatology in AAN may be underestimated and further research is needed to inform inpatient management. We aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of psychiatric eating disorders inpatients presenting with AN or AAN at the Eating Disorders Unit (EDU), Austin Hospital in Melbourne, Victoria.

Methods Retrospective review of patient files was undertaken for inpatients aged 18 – 65 years with an eating disorder who resided within the Body Image & Eating Disorders Treatment & Recovery Service (BETRS) catchment area and were admitted to EDU between 01/01/21 to 30/10/23.

Results Among 91 patients with AN and 40 patients with AAN, demographic and clinical characteristics were primarily similar across both groups. The AN group had a greater proportion of ‘severe malnutrition’ assessments and medical comorbidity whereas the AAN group were more often managed on lower meal plans, and average admission length was 4.3 days shorter. Despite this, both groups showed similar outcomes in relation to emergency medical reviews and supplementation requirements.

Conclusion AAN is an important condition with similarities to AN, and physical and mental health needs that benefit from multidisciplinary assessment and management. Malnutrition assessment should consider a range of factors irrespective of weight or BMI including vital signs, pathology results, and eating disorder cognitions and behaviours.