A Case Report of a Patient With Extreme Anorexia Nervosa and Hyper Prolactinoma: Complaints and Treatment

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder, in which an individual suffers from severe weight loss, and disturbed physical and psychosocial functioning. It was previously diagnosed and reported in Western countries but its prevalence is on the rise in a Middle East country like Iran. This study aims to introduce a patient with AN with hyperprolactinoma.

This study is a case report. A single, educated but not currently employed 32-year-old female patient was admitted with the chief complaint of a locked knee, weakness, and lethargy; she was hospitalized in the hematology ward due to electrolyte and hematological complications and then referred to the psychiatric service due to severe weight loss. 

The etiology and severity of the disorder were evaluated; psychiatric, electrolyte, cardiopulmonary, endocrine, gastrointestinal, neurological, hematological, and renal systems were assessed. Low-calorie intake was considered according to the latest guidelines, which prevented relevant complications and caused the patient’s optimal compliance with treatment. 

AN is not necessarily caused by the patient’s body image, and physicians are advised not to rely on such misconceptions for diagnosis. Also, according to the results, the relationship between AN and hyperprolactinoma and pituitary microadenoma is observed. The measures taken led to the patient’s optimal compliance with the treatment.