ANOREXIA-NERVOSA IN EARLY ADOLESCENCE FOLLOWING ILLNESS - THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SICK ROLE

Two early adolescent females are described who developed symptoms of u pper respiratory tract infection, followed by fatigue and prolongation of the sick role. Subsequently, when the sick role behaviour was chal lenged, features of anorexia nervosa became more prominent and then de veloped into the full classical picture of anorexia nervosa. Factors r elated to infection, subsequent fatigue, premorbid personality, family dynamics and professional involvement are considered in an interactiv e systemic framework.