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The prevalence, correlates, and help-seeking of eating disorders in Switzerland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 July 2016

M. Mohler-Kuo ,
U. Schnyder ,
P. Dermota ,
W. Wei  and
G. Milos
M. Mohler-Kuo*
Affiliation:
Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
U. Schnyder
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
P. Dermota
Affiliation:
Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
W. Wei
Affiliation:
Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
G. Milos
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
*
*Address for correspondence: Prof. Dr. M. Mohler-Kuo, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Hirschengraben 84, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland. (Email: meichun.mohler-kuo@uzh.ch)
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Abstract

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) have long-term physical and mental impacts on those affected. However, few population-based studies have estimated the prevalence of EDs. We aimed to estimate the lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates of EDs using DSM-IV criteria, and to examine differences against the DSM-5 criteria for anorexia.

Method

A nationally representative sample of 10 038 residents in Switzerland was interviewed, and prevalence rates for anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED) were assessed using WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interviews (WHO-CIDI).

Results

The lifetime prevalence rate for any ED was found to be 3.5%. Lifetime prevalence estimates for AN, BN, and/or BED were 1.2%, 2.4%, and 2.4%, respectively, among women and 0.2%, 0.9%, and 0.7%, respectively, among men. Utilizing the DSM-5 criteria, the prevalence of AN in women increased by more than 50%, from 1.2% to 1.9%. Among those meeting the criteria for any ED, only 49.4% of men and 67.9% of women had ever sought professional help about their problems with eating or weight.

Conclusions

The higher prevalence of BN we detected relative to other studies should prompt further monitoring for a possible increasing trend. The female v. male ratios, especially for bulimia and BED, are decreasing. Given that more than half of those affected have never consulted any professional about their problems with eating or weight, routine inquiries about eating and weight by clinicians, school teachers/psychologists, and family members may help those who are at risk, especially among men.

Keywords

Eating disordersepidemiologypopulation surveyprevalence
Type
Original Articles
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 46 , Issue 13 , October 2016 , pp. 2749 - 2758
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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