[Case report: anorexia nervosa in a 10-year-old boy].

A 10-year-old boy was admitted to the Children's Hospital with a 7-month history of disturbed eating behavior and a recent rapid weight loss: During the 24-day hospital stay the boy displayed a characteristic anorectic eating pattern, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression and compulsive behavior. Discharge followed a 4-kg weight gain. During the subsequent 12 months of outpatient care weight gain and eating behavior normalized. The boy's premorbid personality was described as compulsive and difficult. Although his intelligence was above average the boy had spelling problems and inadequate verbal skills. A change to a college-preparatory school and contact with a family with a vegetarian way of life probably precipitated the acute illness.