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Anorexia Nervosa

No Evidence of an Increase

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Eric Fombonne
Eric Fombonne*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF
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Abstract

Background

This paper examines the evidence that rates of anorexia nervosa have increased over time.

Method

Epidemiological studies that have provided time trends in incidence rates in specific countries or psychiatric registers and prevalence surveys were reviewed to assess whether or not prevalence estimates are higher in the most recent studies.

Results

Estimated trends in incidence rates showed an increase but no study ruled out plausible alternative explanations. Studies showing no upward trend were as numerous and were generally based on larger samples. Analysis of 29 cross-sectional surveys conducted over the last 25 years indicated that the median prevalence rate was 1.3 per 1000 females. There was no indication that more recent surveys yielded higher prevalence rates.

Conclusion

Anorexia nervosa remains a rare disorder and there is no evidence of a secular increase in its incidence.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 166 , Issue 4 , April 1995 , pp. 462 - 471
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1995 

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