Anorexia nervosa: a survival analysis.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Harbottle
E J
EJ
Eating Disorders Program, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6.
Birmingham
C L
CL
Sayani
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000401:mortality*; D001955:British Columbia; D002648:Child; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008390:Markov Chains; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012984:Software; D016019:Survival Analysis