A case report of comorbid spina bifida and anorexia nervosa

A case report of comorbid spina bifida and anorexia nervosa SUMMARYYoung women with physical disabilities are known to have a higher risk of developing any type of eating disorder.Because the physical disabilities of these patients usually include components such as body image disturbances, feelings of lack of control arising from the need to get help from others and excessive attention to maintaining the weight that will allow the desired mobility.Although there is such a relationship between disabling chronic diseases and eating disorders, there are a limited number of publications on this subject in the literature.Spina bifida is one of the most common congenital defects of the central nervous system and occurs in around 1 per 1000 births worldwide.Many physical, medical, cognitive, emotional and psychosocial secondary consequences are observed in spina bifida patients and these consequences create a serious disease burden.Body dissatisfaction is prevalent in patients with spina bifida and body dissatisfaction has been identified as a risk factor for the development of eating disorders.Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental disorder characterized by excessive fear of gaining weight and disturbed body image.During anorexia nervosa, severe weight loss and secondary medical problems that may have a life-threatening impact on the patient may occur.In this case report, the diagnosis and treatment process of anorexia nervosa in a young female patient with spina bifida is discussed in detail.