What is the Prognosis for Eating Disorders?

All Eating Disorders are conditions that have the potential to cause a range of physical and mental problems for an individual.

The conditions can become life-threatening, and often run alongside other conditions, like Depression or Anxiety.

The prognosis for these conditions is okay, but there are several pitfalls involved. In this article, we take a look at the areas that affect the prognosis for eating disorders.

What is an Eating Disorder?

Eating Disorders: An Eating Disorder is a mental disorder that is characterised by abnormal eating habits, and generally, an unhealthy relationship with food. Eating disorders can cause intense mental suffering, and lead to physical health problems. There are several different types of eating disorders – each with their own set of symptoms. t is common for someone with an eating disorder to have a comorbid mental health condition.

The different types of Eating Disorders

There are a few different eating disorders. Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder are the most well-known of the conditions within this category.

Other eating disorders include Pica, Rumination Disorder, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake disorder and a condition which is used when an individual’s symptoms do not fit into the exact diagnostic criteria of the other disorders.

These disorders can appear at any time, and affect anyone – male or female, old or young. It is important to remember this.

We primarily focus on Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder in this article, as these are the most common conditions.

The other three conditions within this category will typically result in recovery. Pica involves a person eating non-foods, such as sponges or chalk. So long as they don’t eat anything poisonous, and that they attend therapy, recovery should ensue.

Rumination Disorder rarely causes serious health problems, but again therapy is important. We cover Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder below.

Prognosis of Anorexia Nervosa

Starting with Anorexia Nervosa – there are a plethora of possible complications. The condition involves an individual trying to keep their weight as low as possible – normally dangerously low.

The disorder increases the chances of an individual getting Osteoporosis – a condition characterised by the bones becoming weak and other symptoms, which can go on to cause heart problems.

In bad news, one study found that Anorexia Nervosa actually has the highest mortality rate of any psychological disorder [1].

In terms of statistics of overall recovery, it is believed around half of people who develop Anorexia Nervosa will recover fully [2]. About a third will have symptoms on and off (partial remission), while around 20% will be affected chronically [3].

In terms of those who are hospitalised due to their condition, around a third will relapse following discharge [4]. These statistics are rather bleak, although the 50% recovery rate is at least somewhat positive.

Prognosis of Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is another condition that affects many people worldwide. The condition involves an individual having recurrent episodes of losing control over food intake – involving binging, and then purging, which involves a person deliberately ridding their body of the intake.

This too can cause heart problems. Gastric rupture, tooth decay and bowel problems are all other risk factors with this condition.

In terms of the overall picture, one in-depth study found that within ten years of diagnosis, 50% of people with Bulimia Nervosa recover, 33% attain partial recovery, and the remaining 17% continue to have symptoms [5].

As seen, these are similar to the statistics seen with Anorexia Nervosa. These two conditions are both very difficult to live with.

Binge-eating Disorder Prognosis

Binge-Eating Disorder has the obvious complication of likely obesity. This can cause a multitude of problems, such as heart problems and gallbladder conditions. Moreover, there are also issues of tooth decay and high blood pressure.

The overall statistics are more positive in this case. Generally, research shows that those that receive therapy for Binge-Eating Disorder have a strong chance of remission [6].

Of course, as will be discussed below, a range of factors affect this. Finally, those with Binge-Eating Disorder have been shown to have a high chance of miscarriage [7].

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Prognosis

As Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder is a relatively new diagnosis, there is limited data on its prognosis. But without doubt, the symptoms can lead to issues with diet and nutritional deficiencies.

One study has found that as many as 72% of people with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder have a comorbid Anxiety disorder – which can affect prognosis negatively [8].

Factors contributing to the overall prognosis

So far we have only looked at the characteristics of these disorders, and the overall prognosis seen in studies. What is arguably most important is the factors that contribute to the overall prognosis.

One thing that is consistent is that early treatment is crucial. The earlier an individual seeks help, the better their chances are of recovery.

Similarly, those who see the onset of their disorder take place during adolescence have a much higher chance of recovery than those who see their symptoms first appear in adulthood.

Certain personality traits also appear to have a detrimental effect on the prognosis for these disorders. Those that lack self-sufficiency, have low self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive traits or have had past substance abuse issues could all be damaging traits [9].

Those with a comorbid mental health condition may also see their prognosis affected negatively. As one would expect, those who don’t access treatment for their symptoms are unlikely to witness a recovery.

Therapy can clearly help significantly with the likelihood of success. But some won’t take well to therapy, which again can affect the prognosis.

The same can be said for medication – if it is prescribed. So many factors affect how an individual will cope with their condition, and whether or not they will make a full recovery.

As with any mental health condition, suicide is unfortunately a possibility. For instance, one study found that those with Anorexia Nervosa have a 56 times higher likelihood of attempting suicide compared to those without a mental health condition [10].

Many people with eating disorders have a co-existing mental health condition, which can raise their chances of suicide.

Those with eating disorders should be monitored closely. Hopefully, they will have a positive support system around them.

Summary

Overall, a range of factors affect the prognosis of eating disorders. While the research is largely positive, many people will continue to have symptoms affect them throughout their life. Many will see a partial remission.

The hope is that for those who are unable to attain full recovery, that they can manage their symptoms in a healthier way, which doesn’t interrupt their life significantly.

See Also

1. Eating Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
2. What Are The Different Types of Eating Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Eating Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Eating Disorders?
5. How are Eating Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Eating Disorders be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis for Eating Disorders?
8. 10 Tips for Living With Eating Disorders