Endocrine abnormalities Adaptations to starvation by the hypothalamus result in extensive alterations in the body functions it controls in, a pre-pubertal state in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The adolescent with anorexia is amenorrheic, is unable to adapt to heat and cold, suffers sleep disturbances, and is unable to conserve body water. The inability to maintain adult levels of sexual hormones could account for the lack of interest in sex described in anorexia nervosa since the earliest recorded cases. Terminal starvation signs During a crisis when basic life is threatened, professionals monitor the adolescent's vital signs and take remedial action . Intervention strategies When the adolescent's condition reaches the crisis stage, health care team must intervene.
Hospitalization provides the protection and comprehensive care needed.
Intensive interventions are necessary when outpatient treatment has failed or when there is evidence of medical or psychiatric deterioration. The goal will be to treat life threatening symptoms, and nutritionally rehabilitate the adolescent. Psychotherapy supports nutritional and medical stabilization during hospitalization. Following rehabilitation adolescents make even greater psychological gains without the effects of semi-starvation neurosis. The health care team specializing in treating adolescents with eating disorders will need to work with a trained inpatient staff to achieve the best results from inpatient treatment.