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Causes of Disordered Eating

List of causes of Disordered Eating

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Disordered Eating) that could possibly cause Disordered Eating includes:

Disordered Eating Causes: Book Excerpts

Related information on causes of Disordered Eating:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Disordered Eating may be found in:

Causes of Disordered Eating: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Disordered Eating.

Polyphagia: Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

  • Exogenous obesity
  • Bulimia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Hypoglycemia
    • Diabetes insipidus in infants
      –On breast milk or formula diet, excessive drinking is misinterpreted as excessive eating
    • Hyperthyroidism or Graves disease
      –Increased metabolic rate, increased appetite, and increased oral intake as well as increased stool output
  • Medications
    –Corticosteroids
    –Cyproheptadine
    –Tricyclic antidepressants
    –Valproic acid
    –Tetrahydrocannabinol
    –Neuroleptics
    • Hypothalamic lesions (hypothalamic –Tumors (e.g., craniopharyngioma)
      –Inflammation/autoimmune
      –Central nervous system infection
      –Head trauma
  • Genetic syndromes
    –Prader-Willi syndrome
    –Laurence-Moon-Bardet-Biedl syndrome
    –Kleine-Levin syndrome
  • Cystic fibrosis
    –Malabsorption results in chronic malnutrition, especially of fat

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Polyphagia [Hyperphagia]: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Anxiety

Polyphagia may result from mild to moderate anxiety or emotional stress. Mild anxiety typically produces restlessness, sleeplessness, irritability, repetitive questioning, and constant seeking of attention and reassurance. With moderate anxiety, selective inattention and difficulty concentrating may also occur. Other effects of anxiety may include muscle tension, diaphoresis, GI distress, palpitations, tachycardia, and urinary and sexual dysfunction.

Bulimia

Most common in women ages 18 to 29, bulimia causes polyphagia that alternates with self-induced vomiting, fasting, or diarrhea. The patient typically weighs less than normal, but has a morbid fear of obesity. She appears depressed, has low self-esteem, and conceals her overeating.

Diabetes mellitus

With diabetes mellitus, polyphagia occurs with weight loss, polydipsia, and polyuria. It’s accompanied by nocturia, weakness, fatigue, and signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Appetite changes, typified by food cravings and binges, are common with PMS. Abdominal bloating, the most common associated finding, may occur with behavioral changes, such as depression and insomnia. A headache, paresthesia, and other neurologic symptoms may also occur. Related findings include diarrhea or constipation, edema and temporary weight gain, palpitations, back pain, breast swelling and tenderness, oliguria, and easy bruising.

Other causes

Drugs

Corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, and some hormone supplements may increase appetite, causing weight gain.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Polyphagia [Hyperphagia]: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Anxiety

Polyphagia may result from mild to moderate anxiety or emotional stress. Mild anxiety typically produces restlessness, sleeplessness, irritability, repetitive questioning, and constant seeking of attention and reassurance. With moderate anxiety, selective inattention and difficulty concentrating may also occur. Other effects of anxiety may include muscle tension, diaphoresis, GI distress, palpitations, tachycardia, and urinary and sexual dysfunction.

Bulimia

Most common in women ages 18 to 29, bulimia causes polyphagia that alternates with self-induced vomiting, fasting, or diarrhea. The patient typically weighs less than normal but has a morbid fear of obesity. She appears depressed, has low self-esteem, and conceals her overeating.

Diabetes mellitus

With this disorder, polyphagia occurs with weight loss, polydipsia, and polyuria. It’s accompanied by nocturia, weakness, fatigue, and signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor.

Migraine headache

Polyphagia sometimes precedes a migraine headache. The individual may experience changes in appetite or food cravings. Other prodromal signs and symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a visual aura. Light and noise sensitivity may also occur.

Premenstrual syndrome

Appetite changes, typified by food cravings and binges, are common with this syndrome. Abdominal bloating, the most common associated finding, may occur with behavioral changes, such as depression and insomnia. Headache, paresthesia, and other neurologic symptoms may also occur. Related findings include diarrhea or constipation, edema and temporary weight gain, palpitations, back pain, breast swelling and tenderness, oliguria, and easy bruising.

Thyrotoxicosis

This disorder can produce weight loss, despite constant polyphagia. Other characteristics include weakness, nervousness, diarrhea, tremors, diaphoresis, and dyspnea. The patient’s hair and nails are thin and brittle, and his thyroid is enlarged. He may also exhibit palpitations, tachycardia, heat intolerance, exophthalmos, and an atrial or ventricular gallop.

Other causes

Drugs

Corticosteroids and cyproheptadine may increase appetite, causing weight gain.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Polyphagia: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Anxiety

Polyphagia may result from mild to moderate anxiety or emotional stress. Mild anxiety typically produces restlessness, sleeplessness, irritability, repetitive questioning, and constant seeking of attention and reassurance. With moderate anxiety, selective inattention and difficulty concentrating may also occur. Other effects of anxiety may include muscle tension, diaphoresis, GI distress, palpitations, tachycardia, and urinary and sexual dysfunction.

Bulimia

Most common in women ages 18 to 29, bulimia causes polyphagia that alternates with self-induced vomiting, fasting, or diarrhea. The patient typically weighs less than normal but has a morbid fear of obesity. She appears depressed, has low self-esteem, and conceals her overeating.

Diabetes mellitus

With diabetes mellitus, polyphagia occurs with weight loss, polydipsia, and polyuria. It’s accompanied by nocturia, weakness, fatigue, and such signs of dehydration as dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor.

Migraine headache

Polyphagia sometimes precedes a migraine headache. The individual may experience changes in appetite or food cravings. Other prodromal signs and symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and a visual aura. Light and noise sensitivity may also occur.

Premenstrual syndrome

Appetite changes, typified by food cravings and binges, are common with premenstrual syndrome. Abdominal bloating, the most common associated finding, may occur with behavioral changes, such as depression and insomnia. Headache, paresthesia, and other neurologic symptoms may also occur. Related findings include diarrhea or constipation, edema and temporary weight gain, palpitations, back pain, breast swelling and tenderness, oliguria, and easy bruising.

Thyrotoxicosis

Thyrotoxicosis can produce weight loss despite constant polyphagia. Other characteristics include weakness, nervousness, diarrhea, tremors, diaphoresis, and dyspnea. The patient’s hair and nails are thin and brittle, and his thyroid is enlarged. He may also exhibit palpitations, tachycardia, heat intolerance, exophthalmos, and an atrial or ventricular gallop.

Other causes

Drugs

Corticosteroids and cyproheptadine may increase appetite, causing weight gain.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Polyphagia [Hyperphagia]: Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

Anxiety.Polyphagia may result from mild to moderate anxiety or emotional stress. Mild anxiety typically produces restlessness, sleeplessness, irritability, repetitive questioning, and constant seeking of attention and reassurance. With moderate anxiety, selective inattention and difficulty concentrating may also occur. Other effects of anxiety may include muscle tension, diaphoresis, GI distress, palpitations, tachycardia, and urinary and sexual dysfunction.

Bulimia.Bulimia causes polyphagia that alternates with self-induced vomiting, fasting, or diarrhea. The patient typically weighs less than normal, but has a morbid fear of obesity. She appears depressed, has low self-esteem, and conceals her overeating.

Diabetes mellitus.With diabetes mellitus, polyphagia occurs with weight loss, polydipsia, and polyuria. It's accompanied by nocturia, weakness, fatigue, and signs of dehydration, such as dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).Appetite changes, typified by food cravings and binges, are common with PMS. Abdominal bloating, the most common associated finding, may occur with behavioral changes, such as depression and insomnia. Headache, paresthesia, and other neurologic symptoms may also occur. Related findings include diarrhea or constipation, edema and temporary weight gain, palpitations, back pain, breast swelling and tenderness, oliguria, and easy bruising.

Other causes

Drugs.Corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, and some hormone supplements may increase appetite, causing weight gain.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007


 » Next page: Symptoms of Disordered Eating

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