Source
Eating Disorders Program, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
There are numerous reports of the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, the life expectancy of AN, has not been reported.
OBJECTIVE:
To estimate the average life expectancy of patients who are diagnosed with AN at various ages.
METHODS:
A survival analysis was performed using decision analysis software and mortality data for British Columbia, Canada from Statscan and the SMR for AN previously reported for British Columbia, Canada.
RESULTS:
The life expectancy of patients who are diagnosed with AN is displayed in Table 1 and Figure 2. For example, statistically, a woman who has had AN since 15 years of age is likely to live 25 years less than predicted for the normal population.
DISCUSSION:
Survival curves should be used to illustrate the loss of life in AN, to motivate patients and families, and to assist in legal arguments and requests for funding.