Anorexia Nervosa in a Pakistani Adolescent Girl A Case Report with Literature Review of Anorexia Nervosa in Asia

Abstract

A case of Anorexia Nervosa in a Pakistani Adolescent girl is reported. This is in the background of impression that due to changes in cultural norms and concepts of feminine beauty, illnesses previously thought to be rare in Asian societies might be becoming more prevalent. Various similarities to presentation of Anorexia Nervosa in western countries were found. A brief overview of Anorexia Nervosa in Asia is also described. The syndrome of anorexia nervosa, first identified in Europe during the seventeenth century, was considered a comparatively rare condition, until the last few decades. Although there has been a gradual increase in its incidence in western world, it was believed that anorexia and bulimia nervosa are uncommon in non-western societies. 1-4 The etiology of eating disorders is often linked with value placed on slimness in western cultures. 5 However many Asian countries including Pakistan are undergoing rapid social and economic changes. There is also widespread adoption of western styles, habits and attitudes perhaps due to increasing exposure to media and internet. As a result of changes in cultural norms and concepts of feminine beauty, illnesses previously thought to be rare in these societies, might be becoming more prevalent. 6