Purging using the Heimlich maneuver among children and adolescents with eating disorders.

This case report describes five independent cases of children and adolescents assessed for eating disorders who disclosed using the Heimlich maneuver as a purging technique. The maneuver is meant to be used only in life or death situations, likely once or less in any person's lifetime. A child or adolescent with an eating disorder may be using it to self-induce vomiting on a daily basis, increasing the risk of complications, including potential damage to major organs of the body. Asking patients who purge to elaborate on the methods with which they purge can provide clinicians with fuller information, improving their ability to select appropriate medical tests and interventions. Thorough investigations of physical complaints during the patient assessment may be warranted, including examining patients for possible rib fractures, hemorrhages, perforations of the hollow viscous, and other forms of blunt abdominal traumas.

Factors associated with successful completion in an adolescent-only day hospital program for eating disorders.

The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with completion of an adolescent-only eating disorder day hospital program. A total of 65 adolescents were included. Completers were compared to non-completers on multiple variables including diagnosis, weight, and medication use. Adolescents who completed the program were more likely to have been prescribed antidepressants and less likely to purge. The two groups did not differ significantly on other variables. Few factors differentiated completers from non-completers of the eating disorder day hospital program. Further research is needed to determine the role medications or purging may play in completing treatment.