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The demand for eating disorder care. An epidemiological study using the general practice research database
S Turnbull1, A Ward, J Treasure
1Eating Disorders Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, London.
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|December 1, 1996
Summary
This study on eating disorders found higher incidence rates for bulimia nervosa than anorexia nervosa. Most cases require secondary care, indicating a need for improved primary care management.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Primary Care Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- An epidemiological study investigating anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in primary care settings.
- Utilized the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) for data collection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence rates of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in primary care.
- To analyze the demographic distribution and referral patterns of these eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- Screened the GPRD from 1988 to 1994 for newly diagnosed cases.
- Validated computer diagnoses by reviewing clinical details from a random sample of general practitioners (GPs).
Main Results:
- In 1993, incidence rates were 4.2/100,000 for anorexia nervosa and 12.2/100,000 for bulimia nervosa.
- Female to male ratios were 40:1 for anorexia nervosa and 47:1 for bulimia nervosa.
- Observed a threefold increase in bulimia nervosa diagnoses from 1988 to 1993; 80% of anorexia nervosa and 60% of bulimia nervosa cases were referred to secondary care.
Conclusions:
- Bulimia nervosa shows a growing demand for services.
- The majority of eating disorder cases are managed in secondary care services.
- There is potential for enhanced bulimia nervosa management within primary care settings.