Journal article
The prevalence, correlates, and help-seeking of eating disorders in Switzerland.
- Mohler-Kuo M Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute,University of Zurich,Zurich,Switzerland.
- Schnyder U Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,University Hospital Zurich,Zurich,Switzerland.
- Dermota P Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute,University of Zurich,Zurich,Switzerland.
- Wei W Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute,University of Zurich,Zurich,Switzerland.
- Milos G Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,University Hospital Zurich,Zurich,Switzerland.
- 2016-07-23
Published in:
- Psychological medicine. - 2016
Eating disorders
epidemiology
population survey
prevalence
Adolescent
Adult
Anorexia Nervosa
Binge-Eating Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Prevalence
Sex Factors
Switzerland
Young Adult
English
BACKGROUND
Eating disorders (EDs) have long-term physical and mental impacts on those affected. However, few population-based studies have estimated the prevalence of EDs. We aimed to estimate the lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates of EDs using DSM-IV criteria, and to examine differences against the DSM-5 criteria for anorexia.
METHOD
A nationally representative sample of 10 038 residents in Switzerland was interviewed, and prevalence rates for anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) were assessed using WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interviews (WHO-CIDI).
RESULTS
The lifetime prevalence rate for any ED was found to be 3.5%. Lifetime prevalence estimates for AN, BN, and/or BED were 1.2%, 2.4%, and 2.4%, respectively, among women and 0.2%, 0.9%, and 0.7%, respectively, among men. Utilizing the DSM-5 criteria, the prevalence of AN in women increased by more than 50%, from 1.2% to 1.9%. Among those meeting the criteria for any ED, only 49.4% of men and 67.9% of women had ever sought professional help about their problems with eating or weight.
CONCLUSIONS
The higher prevalence of BN we detected relative to other studies should prompt further monitoring for a possible increasing trend. The female v. male ratios, especially for bulimia and BED, are decreasing. Given that more than half of those affected have never consulted any professional about their problems with eating or weight, routine inquiries about eating and weight by clinicians, school teachers/psychologists, and family members may help those who are at risk, especially among men.
Eating disorders (EDs) have long-term physical and mental impacts on those affected. However, few population-based studies have estimated the prevalence of EDs. We aimed to estimate the lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates of EDs using DSM-IV criteria, and to examine differences against the DSM-5 criteria for anorexia.
METHOD
A nationally representative sample of 10 038 residents in Switzerland was interviewed, and prevalence rates for anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) were assessed using WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interviews (WHO-CIDI).
RESULTS
The lifetime prevalence rate for any ED was found to be 3.5%. Lifetime prevalence estimates for AN, BN, and/or BED were 1.2%, 2.4%, and 2.4%, respectively, among women and 0.2%, 0.9%, and 0.7%, respectively, among men. Utilizing the DSM-5 criteria, the prevalence of AN in women increased by more than 50%, from 1.2% to 1.9%. Among those meeting the criteria for any ED, only 49.4% of men and 67.9% of women had ever sought professional help about their problems with eating or weight.
CONCLUSIONS
The higher prevalence of BN we detected relative to other studies should prompt further monitoring for a possible increasing trend. The female v. male ratios, especially for bulimia and BED, are decreasing. Given that more than half of those affected have never consulted any professional about their problems with eating or weight, routine inquiries about eating and weight by clinicians, school teachers/psychologists, and family members may help those who are at risk, especially among men.
- Language
-
- English
- Open access status
- closed
- Identifiers
-
- DOI 10.1017/S0033291716001136
- PMID 27444809
- Persistent URL
- https://sonar.ch/global/documents/66705
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