Excessive Hunger

Alternate Names : Excessive Appetite, Polyphagia

How is the condition diagnosed?

The healthcare provider will first take a medical history and perform a physical exam. This may be all that is needed to determine the cause. In other cases, further testing is needed.

The tests used will depend on the suspected cause. Blood tests are commonly done. For example, a blood glucose level can be used to detect diabetes. A series of blood tests called thyroid function tests can detect hyperthyroidism. A toxicology screen of the blood or urine can detect illegal drug use. An x-ray test called a cranial CT may be done if brain damage is suspected.