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Medication for anorexia nervosa
My 25-year-old daughter has suffered from Anorexia nervosa for the last 10 years and has now been diagnosed as suffering from ME too. Her GP has prescribed sleeping tablets and Prozac but she refuses to take conventional medication. Can you advise on any suitable alternatives?
At first, we were all told anorexia and bulimia were psychological problems - but researchers have now found that sufferers often have chemical imbalances that mirror those of people suffering from clinical depression. This means your daughter will benefit from taking one of the mood-boosting supplements made from tryptophan, which is sold in the form of 5-HTP.
The specific brand I like is Lifetime’s 5-HTP which provides a 100mg therapeutic dose per tablet. 30 capsules cost £15.95 from Victoria Health (0800-413596). In some cases, anorexia has also been linked with a severe zinc deficiency so she should also take a daily supplement of 30mg. The best remedy to tackle the symptoms of ME, including insomnia, is elderberry - which is also available from Victoria Health.
A bitter herbal tincture made from centaurium will then help stimulate a normal appetite. For best results, she should hold this in her mouth for 15 seconds before swallowing to trigger the salivary juices. Mail order the Bioforce tincture, which costs £7.49 on 01294-277344.
*The Eating Disorders Association runs a nationwide helpline on 01603-621414, which is open from 9am to 6.30pm, Mondays-Fridays. You can also visit the website at www.edauk.com.