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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Health services use in eating disorders
R H Striegel-Moore1, L DeBar, G T Wilson
1Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459-0408, USA. rstriegel@wesleyan.edu
Psychological Medicine
|November 3, 2007
Summary
Adults with eating disorders (EDs) utilized significantly more healthcare services both before and after diagnosis compared to controls. These findings highlight the need for EDs to receive treatment comparable to other mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Services Research
- Mental Health Epidemiology
- Eating Disorder Treatment
Background:
- Eating disorders (EDs) represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding healthcare utilization patterns is crucial for effective resource allocation and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine healthcare services utilization by adults diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED).
- To compare healthcare use in the year preceding and following an ED diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from a large health maintenance organization.
- Inclusion of adults aged 18-55 diagnosed with an ED in 2003.
- Matching ED cases with control individuals based on health plan visits.
Main Results:
- Eating disorder incidence was 0.32% in females and 0.02% in males.
- Psychiatric comorbidity was high, with 50% of cases first identified during primary care.
- Significantly elevated healthcare service use was observed in all sectors for individuals with EDs, both before and after diagnosis, irrespective of ED subtype.
Conclusions:
- Eating disorders demonstrate a substantial healthcare impact, comparable to other mental health disorders like depression.
- Increased healthcare utilization before and after diagnosis underscores the need for early identification and intervention.
- EDs warrant treatment efforts commensurate with their significant health service burden.
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