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Suicide in anorexia nervosa: a meta-analysis
Maurizio Pompili1, Iginia Mancinelli, Paolo Girardi
1Department of Psychiatric Sciences and Psychological Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital La Sapienza, University of Rome, Rome, Italy. pompili@katamail.com
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|June 9, 2004
Summary
Suicide is a significant concern for individuals with anorexia nervosa, often underestimated. This meta-analysis confirms that suicide rates are higher in anorexia nervosa patients compared to the general population.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Suicide is a leading cause of death in individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
- The prevalence of suicide within this patient group is frequently underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis comparing suicide rates in anorexia nervosa patients with those in the general population.
- To provide a more accurate assessment of suicide risk in anorexia nervosa.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed using Index Medicus (MedLine) up to 2002.
- Data on suicide rates in the 14-25 age group were also sourced from the World Health Statistics Annual.
- Nine representative studies, including 1,536 patients, were selected for analysis.
Main Results:
- A total of 36 suicides were reported across the selected studies.
- The meta-analysis calculated the mean annual suicide rate per 100,000 individuals with anorexia nervosa.
- Results indicated a higher incidence of suicide among anorexia nervosa patients.
Conclusions:
- Suicide is significantly more frequent in patients with anorexia nervosa than in the general population.
- The majority of included studies reported a higher suicide rate for anorexia nervosa patients.
- This meta-analysis underscores the critical need for increased awareness and intervention for suicide prevention in anorexia nervosa.