Anorexia nervosa - Epidemiology


 * Anorexia nervosa: Incidence
 * Anorexia nervosa: Prevalence
 * Anorexia nervosa: Morbidity
 * Anorexia nervosa: Mortality
 * Anorexia nervosa: Racial distribution
 * Anorexia nervosa: Age distribution
 * Anorexia nervosa: Sex distribution

Incidence, prevalence and demographics
The majority of research into the incidence and prevalence of anorexia has been done in Western industrialised countries, so results are generally not applicable outside these areas. However, recent reviews of studies on the epidemiology of anorexia have suggested an incidence of between 8 and 13 cases per 100,000 persons per year and an average prevalence of 0.3% using strict criteria for diagnosis. These studies also confirm the view that the condition largely affects young adolescent females, with females aged between 15 and 19 making up 40% of all cases. Furthermore, the majority of cases are unlikely to be in contact with mental health services. As a whole, about 90% of people with anorexia will be female.

References