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The prevalence and correlates of eating disorders among emergency department patients aged 14–20 years
Author(s) -
DooleyHash Suzanne,
Banker Judith D.,
Walton Maureen A.,
Ginsburg Yarden,
Cunningham Rebecca M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.22026
Subject(s) - eating disorders , depression (economics) , comorbidity , psychiatry , ethnic group , demographics , emergency department , medicine , body mass index , national comorbidity survey , psychology , demography , sociology , anthropology , economics , macroeconomics
Abstract Objective: This study describes the rates of eating disorders in patients who present to the emergency department (ED) for any reason and examines the relationship between eating disorders, depression, and substance use in these patients. Method: ED patients aged 14–20 years ( n = 942) completed a computerized questionnaire. Analyses were conducted comparing individuals who screened positive for an eating disorder with those who did not based on demographics (gender, age, race, and public assistance), body mass index, substance use, and depression. Results: Sixteen percent of patients screened positive for an eating disorder. These patients were more likely to also screen positive for depression and substance use. Males accounted for 26.6% of all eating disorders, and no difference was seen in rates across ethnic or income groups. Discussion: Eating disorders are common amongst all patients aged 14–20 years presenting to the ED and are associated with high rates of psychiatric comorbidity. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012;45:883–890)