ANOREXIA NERVOSA IN THE MALE: CLINICAL FEATURES AND FOLLOW-UP OF NINE PATIENTS

Nine male patients formed approximately 5% of patients presenting with anorexia nervosa from a population area. Their clinical and family features and outcome at a mean of 51/2; yr from onset were similar to those of female patients. All patients lost libido during the syndrome. In four patients at average weight at follow-up the level of libido and sexual activity was related to testosterone level, other hormonal investigations being normal in post pubertal patients. All patients had a history of increased attention to bodily appearance and/or diet before the onset of the illness (e.g. aberrant body size or appearance, close contact with an eating disorder patient).