Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in the Context of Transsexuality: a Case Report

Males comprise a minority of patients with eating disorders (ED). However, men who have sex with men, males with gender identity disorder, and transsexual (TS) males are at increased risk for ED. Little has been published about the unique treatment needs of TS patients with ED. A 19-year-old male-to-female TS patient presented with restrictive eating, purging, and weight loss. History revealed that her ED ideation and behaviors were strongly intertwined with her gender identity. She was admitted and during her hospitalization both her ED and TS status were addressed medically. Physicians treating patients with ED should be aware of patients' gender identities and the ways in which gender identity may impact management and recovery. When appropriate, providers should consider addressing medical treatment toward gender transition concurrently with treatment for ED to facilitate medical stabilization and weight restoration in the manner most consistent with the patient's identified gender.