Eating Disorder in a 17-Year-Old Male in a Limited Resource Environment: A Case Report

TL;DR

A 17-year-old male with an eating disorder was treated in a limited-resource setting, highlighting the challenges and successful management of such cases.

Contribution

This case report emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary care for eating disorders in adolescent males with limited access to specialized resources.

Findings

Adolescent males with eating disorders can be successfully stabilized using a multidisciplinary approach in non-specialized settings.

Family-based therapy and close collaboration between medical and psychiatric teams are effective in managing eating disorders in limited-resource environments.

Early recognition and treatment of eating disorders in males is crucial to prevent medical emergencies.

Abstract

Disordered eating has become a rising concern, as severe cases can result in medical emergencies. Eating disorders in adolescents are often underrecognized, particularly in adolescent males, partly due to gender-related stigma and atypical presentations compared to females. These challenges can be further compounded in regions with limited access to specialized eating disorder treatment services. We present the case of a 17-year-old male brought to our emergency department following a binge-purge episode that was deemed a medical emergency due to bradycardia, orthostasis, low BMI, and electrolyte abnormalities. This case was complicated by diagnostic challenges, including suspected attempts to purge while hospitalized. A multidisciplinary team was assembled to ensure acute stabilization. Family-based therapy was prioritized to assist in medical stabilization. The patient was successfully stabilized and discharged with a structured outpatient plan. This case highlights the diagnostic and treatment challenges of managing adolescent males with eating disorders, especially in states with limited specialized resources. Our findings indicate that collaboration between medical and psychiatric teams can facilitate safe and effective care even in non-specialized settings. Clinicians should maintain a high suspicion for eating disorders in adolescent males and be prepared to treat them in hospital settings without access to specialized resources.

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