Hospital admissions for eating disorders in girls have nearly doubled - Increase in admissions of girls for treatment due to eating disorders has been observed in the hospital
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of hospital admissions for eating disorders among young girls and women in the UK. According to data from various reports, hospitalizations due to eating disorders have doubled among youths aged 10 to 17 over the past two decades, with 6,000 admissions in 2023 compared to 3,000 in 2003.
Causes and Contributing Factors
The increase in hospital admissions can be attributed to a variety of factors. A mental health crisis exacerbated by social, psychological, and environmental stresses, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental well-being, plays a significant role. Common comorbid psychological conditions such as depression, generalized anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, and social anxiety are prevalent among those hospitalized for eating disorders. Substance use and drug dependence are also significant comorbidities complicating these cases.
Disordered eating behaviors are widespread among youth, with one survey showing 35% of females and nearly 19% of males engaging in binge eating, and notable percentages reporting vomiting.
Trends in Hospital Stays and Care
The majority of eating disorder hospital admissions (76%) are to acute medical hospitals, emphasizing the medical complexity and urgency of care needed for these patients. Hospitalized youth who receive more intensive therapies post-discharge (more than eight therapy sessions) have a 25% lower risk of rehospitalization, highlighting the importance of continuous therapeutic intervention to reduce hospital stays and improve outcomes.
Impact on Mortality Rates
Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among psychiatric disorders, underscoring the serious nature of these conditions and the critical need for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Notable Findings
- The total number of cases of eating disorders treated in hospitals remained similar compared to 20 years ago, despite the increase in cases among girls aged 10 to 17.
- Anorexia is the most common eating disorder, accounting for over three-quarters of cases.
- Bulimia is the second most common eating disorder, accounting for 11.1% of cases.
- In 2023, eating disorders resulted in 78 deaths in Germany.
- The female proportion of hospital patients with eating disorders is 93.3%.
This increase in hospitalizations for eating disorders reflects both rising prevalence and recognition of these conditions, compounded by complex mental health and social factors. The data underscores the importance of improved therapeutic strategies to reduce rehospitalization rates and address mortality risks.
Science and health-and-wellness sectors must pay close attention to the rising number of eating disorders among women and girls, as indicated by the doubled number of people treated in hospitals for these disorders. Mental-health professionals in Weissbaden, following the trends in Germany, might find interest in the 78 deaths from eating disorders reported in 2023, a concerning statistic in light of the increased awareness and ongoing research in this area.
