Death by suicide can account for up to 50% of the mortality encountered with patients who suffer from eating disorders. Up to one-third of adults with eating disorders have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. The lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa for women ranges from 0.5% to 3.0%, & 1.1% to 4.2% for bulimia nervosa. The male-female prevalence ratio is 1:10. It is essential for health care providers & family to help these young people see they can enjoy a life without the eating disorder. (LC) (3 refs)