Anorexia Nervosa in Black Adolescents

Two cases of adolescent black female patients, seen over a 6-month period, who developed anorexia nervosa are reported on, raising questions about the possible rising incidence of this disorder among blacks.

Abstract

The incidence of anorexia nervosa in black youth is believed to be extremely low to negligible. We report on two cases of adolescent black female patients, seen over a 6-month period, who developed anorexia nervosa. Literature on the epidemiology of this disorder is reviewed with special attention to references to blacks. Unique characteristics of our two patients and one other reported at length in the literature are also discussed, as well as questions about the possible rising incidence of this disorder among blacks.