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Self-phlebotomy in eating disorders

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Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We present the case of a health-care professional with anorexia nervosa who used self-phlebotomy as a form of purge. Self-phlebotomy is most prevalent in young females employed in medical or paramedical professions. The occurrence in eating disorders of severe, unexplained, or rapidly appearing anemia; unexplained needle tracks, or past or present employment as a health-care worker should raise suspicion of self-phlebotomy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada

    S. Grewal (Student)

  2. Eating Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, St. Paul’s Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 1081 Burrard Street, British Columbia, V6Z 1Y6, Canada

    C. L. Birmingham

Authors
  1. S. Grewal
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  2. C. L. Birmingham
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Correspondence to C. L. Birmingham.

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Student, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia.

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Grewal, S., Birmingham, C.L. Self-phlebotomy in eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 8, 336–340 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03325037

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03325037

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