How to Conduct a Physical Exam to Detect Anorexia
Like almost any disorder, anorexia (self-starvation in an effort to get thin) has physical symptoms. Some cause starvation, while others are caused by starvation. Most doctors will conduct a physical exam to detect anorexia before confirming the diagnosis. Prepare for this examination by learning what the doctor is looking for and how he will conduct the test.
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Instructions
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Prepare for a Physical Exam to Detect Anorexia
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Make a written list of your symptoms. Include the physical (weight loss), as well as the psychological (depression) and the social (withdrawal from friends and family). This will help the doctor to conduct the examination properly.
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Preview the five-question SCOFF, a common diagnostic test, at the Family Practice Notebook website (see Resources below).
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Take a Physical Exam to Detect Anorexia
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Fill out the questionnaire. When you arrive for your appointment, you will probably be given a form that may have as few as four or as many as 50 questions. Read them carefully and answer them accurately.
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Cooperate fully with all medical procedures, including height and weight measurement, urinalysis, blood tests, gait (walking), eye movement, bone density and others.
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Answer the doctor's questions. She may ask you about your bowel movements, your menstrual period, whether you have dizziness, bloating or cramps or even how you are doing in school. All these questions are necessary and important.
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Go over your list of symptoms with the doctor, even those that you aren't 100-percent certain result from anorexia.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are the parent of a minor being examined, the doctor may ask you to fill out a questionnaire, as well. Chances are it may be the Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care. You may wish to schedule a private talk with the doctor after the exam.
The doctor may use any or all of the following physical conditions as guidelines to detect anorexia: bradycardia or bradykinesis (slowing of the heart rate or muscular movement), osteoporosis (thinning bones), abdominal pain or distention, the presence of lanugo (tiny fine hairs) on the body, dentition (condition of the teeth), cyanosis (blue coloring) of the fingers and toes, a sallow, gray or dull complexion or dull or brittle hair.
The doctor may seem preoccupied or in a hurry. Don't let that put you off. Don't hesitate to ask about anything that worries or does not make sense to you.
