AN ATYPICAL EATING DISORDER WITH CROHNS-DISEASE IN A 15-YEAR-OLD MALE - A CASE-STUDY

Most of the time, school or counseling psychologists are not specifically trained to work with children who have physical disorders that cause or exacerbate psychological problems. This article describes a 15-year-old male with delayed physical development who was referred for psychological evaluation and treatment of a suspected eating disorder. Six months after psychological intervention, appropriate eating behaviors were established, yet he had not gained weight as expected. After further medical evaluation, he was diagnosed as having Crohn's disease. Criteria for a DSM-III-R diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa or Eating Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified, are discussed and symptoms of Crohn's disease described. Also discussed are differential diagnoses and practical recommendations for professionals in the field.