Caring for patients with eating disorders

Many patients with eating disorders are reluctant to get help. They may be in denial about the harm they are causing to their bodies, or prioritize thinness over health.

Analysis of Electrolyte Abnormalities in Adolescents and Adults and Subsequent Diagnosis of an Eating Disorder

In this population-based case-control study, the investigators found that outpatient electrolyte abnormalities may serve as a precursor to future eating disorder diagnoses.

Electrolyte abnormalities commonly occurred well ahead of the time at which an eating disorder diagnosis was made.

Hypokalemia was the most common electrolyte abnormality identified while hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypophosphatemia, and metabolic alkalosis were the most specific for a subsequent eating disorder diagnosis.

These results suggest that incidentally discovered electrolyte abnormalities may serve to identify individuals who may benefit from targeted screening for an underlying eating disorder. Ultimately, this may allow for more timely diagnosis and intervention to mitigate the negative impact that eating disorders have on patient morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

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Sadness, violence, and suicidality among teenage girls



Shilpa R. Taufique, PhD, director of the division of psychology and director of the Comprehensive Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education Service at Mount Sinai Morningside is quoted in a new article from the Wall Street Journal discussing the alarming rise in feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness among high school girls in the US.

Information to share with your patients: emotional eating



Peruse the Mount Sinai Health Library for information to share with your patients. With over 100 psychiatry topics presented in patient-friendly language, the Health Library can be a valuable source for your patients to help understand their diagnoses.

This month, read patient- and family-friendly tips for overcoming emotional eating.