Anorexia Statistics Reveal That Other Mental Disorders Play A Part. How?
According to eating disorder statistics, when someone has an eating disorder, they are usually also experiencing another mental illness (if not more than one). It's called psychiatric comorbidity, and it's quite common for people with eating disorders, not to mention that an eating disorder is in itself a mental illness. Psychiatric comorbidity means that along with the eating disorder, there is another mental illness at play. What are these mental illnesses, and how do they impact the quality of life for someone with anorexia nervosa?
If you or someone you know is living with an eating disorder, consider reaching out to the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
About eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, eating disorders often occur in conjunction with other mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions.
In one study, researchers examined patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Their research revealed that of all the eating disorder patients, over 70% of them had at least one other type of psychological disorder.
Anxiety was the most frequently occurring mental illness, and it showed up in 53% of the individuals who were studied. Anxiety appeared to be the highest in those with binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, but the anorexia group still showed anxiety. When it came to other comorbid disorders, 30 to 50% of people with anorexia nervosa also had depression.
What is the relationship between anorexia nervosa and a comorbid disorder like depression or anxiety? For example, which comes first—anorexia or comorbid mental illness? And to what extent do these comorbid mental illnesses strengthen anorexia nervosa in individuals?
The prevalence of eating disorders
According to the Journal of Eating Disorders, the prevalence of eating disorders, including anorexia, is rising in the general population, with risk factors such as body dissatisfaction and negative body image exacerbated by social media. One systematic review highlights that college students are particularly vulnerable to disordered eating behaviors, with atypical anorexia and binge eating disorder being among significant concerns.
The National Eating Disorders Association emphasizes the importance of eating disorder treatment and support groups in addressing these issues. Despite increased awareness, disorder statistics indicate that many individuals with disordered eating still do not receive the necessary support, underscoring the need for improved resources and education.
The relationship between depression and anorexia nervosa
Studies have shown a strong link between anorexia nervosa and depression. Around 50-75% of people living with an eating disorder will also experience major depressive disorder.
The symptoms of one comorbid condition can exacerbate those of the other. Someone who experiences depression may turn to disordered eating to cope with their negative feelings about their body image, which can lead to worsening symptoms of depression. It creates a cycle that can reinforce itself and may be hard to break.
One of the most common eating disorder treatments for depression and anorexia is therapy, during which a mental health professional will work with the individual to address both the disordered eating and their thought patterns and mood.
Depression and anorexia nervosa: Similar symptoms
It goes without saying that an individual with anorexia nervosa may have symptoms indicating extreme weight loss, malnourishment, amenorrhea, and other physical symptoms. These symptoms are not always indicative of depression, though they can be.
Depression and anorexia have many key symptoms in common. For example, both of these mental disorders exhibit the following signs:
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty making decisions
Skipping meals
Lack of emotion
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
As you can see, one mental illness can worsen the other and make it difficult to know where one ends and the other begins.
Anxiety and anorexia
Like depression, anxiety can lead to or follow, anorexia. However, anxiety is the most common disorder to accompany eating disorders. Some researchers would even argue that anorexia should be considered an anxiety disorder. A 2004 study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that most of the study participants had OCD, social phobia, or generalized anxiety disorder as early as childhood, before the eating disorder even developed. Even individuals who did not have a history of anxiety disorders still "tended to be anxious, perfectionistic, and harm avoidant."
Therefore, researchers came away with the hypothesis that some individuals are more vulnerable to developing anorexia nervosa than others if they exhibit either an anxiety disorder or anxious, perfectionistic traits in general. (Note: Mental health research is constantly evolving, so older sources may contain information or theories that have been reevaluated since their original publication date).
Why is anxiety so prevalent in cases of anorexia?
It makes sense that anxiety and anorexia go hand in hand. They both center around worry and anxiety; these same emotions often surround food, body weight, body image, calorie counting, and restriction.
While some researchers would hold that anorexia is a form of anxiety, it's still up for debate in the academic community.
What is the role of substance use in eating disorders?
Eating disorders and substance use disorders co-exist according to the National Eating Disorder Association, which states that nearly 50% of individuals with an eating disorder also use drugs and alcohol at "a rate five times greater than the general population."
However, substance use appears less common for individuals with anorexia nervosa than other eating disorders. Research has found that there are more instances of substance use disorders among those with bulimia nervosa than in both restrictive and purging types of anorexia nervosa.
Nonetheless, the co-occurrence of both substance use and anorexia nervosa is logical when one considers that people often develop these two mental illnesses as a way to gain control of some areas of their lives. What's more, a high amount of impulsivity is a trait between the two mental health disorders.
Even though individuals with anorexia nervosa have lower rates of substance use, both illnesses can result in additional hardships. Therefore, seeking early intervention from a mental health professional is recommended. Their valuable training and knowledge can offer timely counseling and assistance to someone experiencing comorbid mental illnesses.
Since the motive or reason behind the eating disorder and the substance use may stem from the same issue, a mental health professional can help address the root problem and treat both disorders simultaneously.
How can you help someone who has anorexia nervosa?
It's important to seek professional help to address an eating disorder like anorexia. Since most people living with anorexia have some form of comorbid mental illness, the best way for you—the friend or family—to help may not be immediately clear.
Each situation is unique and can be very complicated, and your relationship with the person experiencing comorbid conditions can add even more layers that are difficult to navigate objectively. These disorders can be very hard to manage for the individuals living with them, but also challenging for family and friends. Sometimes, loved ones can unknowingly make matters worse.
Remember that the eating disorder isn't always just about food. Sometimes, it's about something much deeper.
Remember that the individual must want to recover for you to be able to help.
Remember that you are not their mental health professional. It's important to have personal boundaries and take care of yourself, too.
Remind the person that it's okay to get help and that you can help them find a licensed, experienced professional if they're open to that.
It's okay to tell them you're concerned, but don't make their situation about you. It's about them.
Be an open space for them. Stay firm, loving, patient, and supportive of them, but never of the eating disorder.
Avoid shaming them.
Don't deny, avoid, or pretend the eating disorder isn't happening.
Don't try to force them to eat.
Don't set any ultimatums or reward systems, like, "If you don't eat more, we're not doing x, y, or z," or "If you eat this dessert, I'll give you x, y, or z."
Avoid conversations about weight or body appearance. Instead, focus on emotions and feelings.
Don't provide them with simple solutions. Remember that this is a complicated experience for them, and if the solution were that easy, they probably would have figured it out on their own.
Do listen.
Finding help
Cognitive behavior therapy is a common treatment for eating disorders. Speaking with a licensed therapist can help you understand your eating disorder and what other mental health conditions may be playing a role in your overall well-being. They can also offer solutions to help you reduce symptoms and manage your anorexia. If someone you love is living with an eating disorder, speaking with a therapist can help you uncover the best way to handle the situation and ensure your well-being stays intact.
If speaking with a traditional therapist isn't available, consider online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. With online therapy, you can participate in sessions from the comfort of your home, making it easier to start the recovery process. It can also make it easier to find therapists with the right specialties, which might not be available in your local area.
Research has shown that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for treating common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. It's also been shown to be an effective alternative to in-person treatment for eating disorders.
Takeaway
What are the statistics of anorexia?
Here are some notable statistics on anorexia nervosa described in recent research:
- Around 4% of women and 0.3% of men may experience anorexia within their lifetimes
- Wealthy countries tend to have a higher prevalence of eating disorders, especially Western and East Asian nations
- Roughly 0.5% of U.S. adults are estimated to have experienced anorexia within the last year
- The prevalence of eating disorders, including anorexia, is higher among LGBTQ individuals
- Anorexia is most common in young adults — as many as 7.4% of men and 10.3% of women age 21 in the United States may have anorexia nervosa
- The rate of new diagnoses of anorexia nervosa among adolescents around 15 years old has risen sharply over the last decade
What is the annual mortality rate of anorexia?
The crude annual mortality rate for people with anorexia has been estimated at roughly 5.1 deaths per 1,000 people. Similar figures have been reported for other common eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa. The mortality rate may be considerably higher for people whose mental illness has led to severe malnutrition.
What population is most affected by anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa has the highest lifetime prevalence among cisgender women and transgender individuals. Within this population, adolescence and young adulthood may be the most vulnerable periods of life, with rates of anorexia particularly high among adolescent females. Though eating disorders may not meet the criteria for formal diagnosis until adolescence or early adulthood, unhealthy eating behaviors such as restricted food intake may start to manifest even in childhood.
The prevalence of this eating disorder may also be related to economic and cultural factors. Wealthier regions of the world are generally found to have higher rates of anorexia. However, populations with lower socioeconomic status within those areas could be at an even higher risk.
Which country has the highest rate of anorexia?
The highest rate of anorexia and other eating disorders has been observed in Australia, though this could reflect differences in diagnosis as well as actual prevalence rates. In general, wealthy Western countries are more strongly affected by anorexia than others. However, rates appear to be rising fastest in East Asian countries.
What percentage of people overcome anorexia?
Though many people with anorexia nervosa do recover, the process can take a long time, and many regard it as a highly treatment-resistant disorder. A longitudinal study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reported that about 31.4% of patients with anorexia had recovered 9 years after treatment, while 62.8% showed recovery at a 22-year follow-up.
It’s much harder for studies to assess possible outcomes of anorexia nervosa among people who don’t receive diagnosis and treatment. However, the available evidence suggests that seeking professional mental health care may be crucial for overcoming this disease.
Why is anorexia a vital issue?
Anorexia nervosa may be seen as a vital issue for several reasons. For one thing, it can be a highly dangerous mental disorder. Because it involves severely restricted food intake and extremely low body weight, anorexia can have extremely negative effects on an individual’s physical health. Potential complications can include:
- Osteoporosis (thinning bones)
- Anemia
- Muscle weakness
- Fragile nails and hair
- Persistent lack of energy
- Infertility
- Reduced blood pressure
- Cardiovascular damage
- Heart attacks
- Organ damage
Another reason many people find this disease so concerning is that it predominantly affects young people. Adolescents and young adults are more susceptible to disordered eating of all kinds, including anorexia (as well as more common eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa). While a potentially deadly mental illness would be cause for concern among any population, the fact that it can disrupt a vital developmental period may make the issue more urgent in many people’s minds.
Some might also regard anorexia as a particularly vital issue because of the role that social norms, media messages, and other cultural influences may play in its development. Evidence indicates that the idealization and overvaluation of thin body types, and the stigma associated with gaining weight, may be a significant factor in the spread of this illness. Many people may feel that the prevalence of anorexia indicates a pervasive presence of unhealthy ideas in the culture at large.
Does anorexia have the highest mortality rate?
Anorexia nervosa has a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness. Unlike many other psychiatric difficulties, the core features of this condition include behaviors that are severely detrimental to long-term health. A body weight below healthy levels is one of the crucial diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
Mortality rates may be even higher in people who have other mental illnesses alongside anorexia. Unfortunately, research suggests this is quite common. Based on the statistics on eating disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey replication, anorexia appears highly correlated with numerous other psychiatric disorders. Some of the most common correlates of eating disorders are:
- Mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder)
- Anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Substance use disorders
What are the shocking statistics about eating disorders?
Many statistics about eating disorders can come as a shock when they’re first encountered. Some notable examples include:
- Though anorexia nervosa may be the most widely-known eating disorder, the prevalence of binge eating disorder is more than twice as high
- The economic cost of eating disorders has been estimated at over $64 billion per year
- The average age of onset for anorexia and bulimia is 18 years old
- As many as one in three people with eating disorders may be male-identifying
- Negative health effects of eating disorders are just as severe in people who are initially overweight or obese
What are the scary statistics about anorexia?
Numerous statistical realities about anorexia can be cause for concern. Some of the most potentially frightening reported statistics include:
- Patients with anorexia die at nearly 6 times the rate of people in the general population
- Eating disorders among young people may be on the rise, with the incidence rate of anorexia nervosa increasing fastest in people age 15 and under
- Relapse following treatment is common, with some studies reporting a relapse rate as high as 52%
- On average, people wait 5.28 years before seeking treatment for eating disorders
- There are no approved psychiatric medications available to treat anorexia nervosa
What eating disorder has the highest mortality?
Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of all eating disorders. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, this disorder has a higher mortality rate than any other psychiatric illness.
This high death rate is likely linked to the negative physical effects of malnutrition. A defining feature of anorexia nervosa is persistent self-starvation. People with this disorder tend to lose weight rapidly and dramatically, often falling well below a body mass index (BMI) that’s appropriate for sustaining long-term health. This may be combined with unhealthy “purging” behaviors such as excessive exercise, self-induced vomiting, or abuse of laxatives.
- Previous Article
- Next Article