Identification of patients with eating disorders. The signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

The optimal medical assessment of an eating disorder patient depends on a knowledge of the associated signs and symptoms, many of which are rarely seen in general medicine. Some of these signs are diagnostic of eating disorders. This paper presents a systematic review of the history and physical examination, including the special signs and symptoms in tabular form. In addition, the significance of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders is reviewed.