Anorexia nervosa: a 63-year population-based survival study.
As eating disorders attract increasing publicity, more affected individuals will seek medical attention. Many will have needs for life insurance. Due to selection bias, most of the literature on anorexia nervosa (AN) presents an unfavorable prognosis. Therefore, the impairment is considered an adverse life insurance risk. This review is from an unselected, community population. The demographics of the study population and its expected mortality are similar to a population purchasing life insurance products. Comparative experience over 63 years of follow-up reveals mortality ratios and excess death rates similar to those expected for the population. High-risk comorbid diagnoses of depression and alcoholism are discussed.
ralphbuckee@aol.com
John R
JR
Iacovino
D000206:Actuarial Analysis; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality*; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007352:Insurance, Life; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015983:Selection Bias; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology