Management of anorexia nervosa in pregnancy: a systematic and state-of-the-art review

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa is a potentially severe, chronic, and relapsing mental disorder that is more common in women and girls during the reproductive years (usually defined as those aged 12–51 years). It is associated with suicide and mortality linked with the physical consequences of starvation. Although anorexia nervosa is a disorder of low prevalence, and even lower prevalence in pregnancy, it is associated with substantial risks for the mother and infant when under-recognised and undermanaged. Despite the complexity and risk of managing anorexia nervosa in pregnancy, few studies are available to guide care. We conducted a systematic review, identifying only eight studies that addressed the man..