Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
07:46
Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
[Mortality of anorexia nervosa in Denmark 1970-1987]
S M Møller-Madsen1, J Nystrup, S Nielsen
1H.S Bispebjerg Hospital, børne- og ungdomsykiatrisk afdeling.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 9, 1998
Summary
Anorexia nervosa patients have a significantly higher mortality risk, with standardized mortality ratios (SMR) of 9.1. Suicide and the illness itself were leading causes of death, particularly in the first year post-admission.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Anorexia nervosa is a severe eating disorder with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Long-term outcomes and mortality patterns for anorexia nervosa patients require further investigation.
Purpose:
- To investigate the mortality patterns and causes of death in a Danish cohort of anorexia nervosa patients.
- To calculate the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for anorexia nervosa patients.
Summary:
- A total of 853 patients admitted with anorexia nervosa between 1970-1986 were followed for a mean of 7.8 years.
- Fifty deaths were recorded, yielding an SMR of 9.1 for both sexes, peaking in the first year post-admission.
- Suicide was the primary cause of unnatural death (18/22), while anorexia nervosa (13/24) and other illnesses (11/24) caused natural deaths.
Impact:
- This study highlights the substantial mortality risk associated with anorexia nervosa.
- Findings underscore the critical need for early intervention and ongoing monitoring, especially within the first year of diagnosis.
- The data can inform public health strategies and clinical practice for managing anorexia nervosa patients.
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