Probability of Developing Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 0.9% in women and 0.3% in men in the United States. It has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with an estimated 5-10% of patients dying within 10 years of diagnosis, most commonly from cardiac complications, organ failure, or suicide.

Anorexia typically develops during adolescence (peak onset at ages 14-18) and is characterized by restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image. Risk factors include genetics (heritability is estimated at 50-80%), perfectionism, anxiety, cultural emphasis on thinness, and history of trauma. While traditionally associated with young white women, anorexia affects all demographics, and increasing recognition is occurring among males, older adults, and people of color.

Treatment typically requires a multidisciplinary approach including nutritional rehabilitation, psychotherapy (family-based treatment is the most evidence-based approach for adolescents, while CBT-E is preferred for adults), medical monitoring, and sometimes hospitalization. Full recovery occurs in about 46% of patients, partial recovery in about 33%, and about 20% develop a chronic course. Early intervention significantly improves outcomes. The average length of illness before seeking treatment is about 5 years.