Eating disorders in the elderly.
BACKGROUND
Eating disorders in the elderly are often overlooked. When they occur, significant morbidity and mortality result. In this study we review all existing literature on eating disorders in the elderly and provide practical guidelines for clinicians in recognizing and managing eating disorders in the elderly.


METHODS
A literature search using Medline, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and PsychINFO revealed 48 published cases of eating disorders in people over the age of 50 years.


RESULTS
The mean age was 68.6 years (range 50-94), and the majority (88%) of cases were females. The majority (81%) of cases had anorexia nervosa, and 10% had bulimia nervosa. Late onset eating disorders were more common (69%) than early onset. Comorbid psychiatric conditions existed in 60%, most commonly major depression. Management with a combination of behavioral and pharmacologic interventions was most successful, although only 42% were treated successfully. Mortality was high (21%) secondary to the eating disorder and its complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Eating disorders do occur in the elderly and should be included in the differential diagnosis of unexplained weight loss in the elderly.
Lapid
Maria I
MI
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. lapid.maria@mayo.edu
Prom
Maria C
MC
Burton
M Caroline
MC
McAlpine
Donald E
DE
Sutor
Bruce
B
Rummans
Teresa A
TA
D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015431:Weight Loss