Excess Mortality, Causes of Death and Prognostic Factors in Anorexia Nervosa

This study sought to estimate standardised mortality ratios & to investigate potential prognostic factors in anorexia nervosa. 6009 women who had had inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa were followed-up retrospectively using Swedish registers. The overall standardised mortality ratio was 6.2. Anorexia nervosa, psychoactive substance use & suicide had the highest standardised mortality ratios. 84 deaths were by suicide, making it most frequent cause of death. Among suicide victims, 41 used a nonviolent method, 41 chose a violent method, & 2 were registered as intentional self-harm by other specified means. (54 refs.)