Long-Term Mortality in Anorexia Nervosa. A 20-Year Follow-Up of the St George’s and Aberdeen Cohorts

Two cohorts of anorexia nervosa patients were followed up for a mean of 20 years. Causes of death were complications of the illness & suicide. In the St. George’s cohort (n=105), 1 patient died by suicide & in the Aberdeen cohort (n=63), 4 patients completed suicide. Findings suggest that medical treatment aimed at restoring the nutritional deficit decreases early deaths, while comprehensive medical & psychotherapeutic treatments, involving patient & family, also decreases late deaths. (16 refs)