Anorexia nervosa: a survival analysis

There are numerous reports of the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, the life expectancy of AN, has not been reported.

To estimate the average life expectancy of patients who are diagnosed with AN at various ages.

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.

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.

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.