6
Assessment
Initial Review of Systems
Statement 5
➤ APA recommends (1C) that the initial psychiatric evaluation of a patient
with a possible eating disorder include a comprehensive review of
systems.
Table 3. Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders
Organ System Symptom/Sign
1
Related to nutritional
restriction Related to purging
General Low weight, cachexia
General Fatigue
General Weakness Weakness
General Dehydration
General Cold intolerance, low body
temperature
General Hot flashes, sweating
Nervous system Anxiety, depression, or
irritability
Anxiety, depression, or
irritability
Nervous system Apathy Apathy
Nervous system Poor concentration Poor concentration
Nervous system Headache Headache
Nervous system Seizures (in severe cases) Seizures (in severe cases)
Nervous system Paresthesia (due to
electrolyte abnormalities)
Nervous system Peripheral polyneuropathy
(in severe cases)
Oropharyngeal Dysphagia
Oropharyngeal Dental enamel erosion and
decay
Oropharyngeal Enlarged salivary glands
Oropharyngeal Pharyngeal pain
Oropharyngeal Palatal scratches, erythema,
or petechiae
