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Risks and pitfalls for the management of refeeding syndrome in psychiatric patients

Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, email: m.catani{at}iop.kcl.ac.uk

Roger Howells, Consultant Psychiatrist

Sloane Court Practice, London SW3 4TD and Research Associate, Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 8AF

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

We present two patients who developed refeeding syndrome following admission to a general psychiatry ward. The practical implications of assessing and managing medical consequences in patients with mental illness who start refeeding after a period of starvation are discussed.

RESULTS

Patients presented with overlapping clinical manifestations of mental illness and refeeding syndrome that were difficult to recognise and manage.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Awareness of refeeding syndrome in patients with mental illness may prevent fatal physical complications.