Keeping up with the Jones’s by Phil Stephens

Part VI—Conclusion

“Suzie,” said Dr. Fay. “This is serious. You are suffering from what is known as the female athlete’s triad: a combination of disordered eating, loss of your period, and osteoporosis. Your rigid eating habits and strenuous training regimen have produced loss of menses, and if you keep going like this you are likely to develop osteoporosis. I assume that you’ve heard of anorexia nervosa? I think that you are anorexic and your extreme exercise regimen is making things worse. I appreciate that a girl of your age is very aware of her body, and I don’t think it’s your fault entirely. I think that you are striving to please your parents, who seem to be pulled in other directions.”

“We do our best, but it isn’t easy with Dave. You know, we almost lost him when he was a baby.” Mrs. Jones interrupted defensively.

“That must have been very hard on you at the time, but he’s going into his senior year and will be away at college next year. When was the last time you sat down to dinner as a family or the last time you went to one of Suzie’s competitions?” the doctor asked.

Mother and daughter looked at the floor.

Dr. Fay continued: “I am going to send you to a counselor, Suzie. I am also going to recommend that the entire family takes part so that all aspects of your problem can be addressed. You’re a fine young lady who needs to take care of herself. Continue like this and you’ll be in a hospital within a month. I already have enough data here in my hand to admit you to a hospital where they will monitor your food intake and feed you through a tube if necessary. However, I have known your family for years and believe that you’ll do what is necessary to make things come out right in the end. Now, when are you coming back to see me?”

Questions

What conditions make Suzie a candidate for anorexia?
Do you think the doctor’s treatment is appropriate, or would you have admitted her into hospital?
When do you think Suzie should schedule her next visit to the doctor?

Originally published at http://www.sciencecases.org/jones/jones6.asp