Seeing anorexia nervosa statistics can be an unsettling affair. The numbers reveal how widespread the epidemic is and how desperately so many people need the best anorexia treatment they can find. However, this illumination, and the subsequent discomfort is a necessary part of the healing process. In order for us to develop the helpful resources we need, we must recognize the need in the first place.
The Anorexia Nervosa Statistics Themselves
Here are the results of some of the most recent eating disorder surveys.
- At least 30 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder
- Every 62 minutes, a minimum of one person dies as a direct result of an eating disorder
- 0.9% of women suffer from anorexia at some point in their life
- Roughly half of people with anorexia also deal with a mood disorder (e.g. depression or anxiety)
- 1 out of every 5 anorexia-related deaths is by suicide
- 13% of women over the age of 50 have some disordered eating behaviors
- Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness in teenage females
- Anorexia is the most statistically fatal psychiatric disorder, but only a third of those suffering from it ever get treatment
What These Statistics Say
The time to find help at an anorexia treatment center Indiana residents trust is now. These anorexia nervosa statistics reveal a number of disturbing trends. For one, despite the fact that such a huge portion of people suffer from disordered eating, relatively few are getting treatment. This could be due to a failure to recognize warning signs or the stigmatization of eating disorders in general.
What’s also bad is that the anorexia nervosa statistics reveal that many people don’t recognize the severity of anorexia. It has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, yet only a third of people with it get treatment. It seems that American culture has put eating disorders at a dangerous middle ground where we simultaneously downplay the effects and place shame on those who struggle with it.
The Time to Get Help is Now
There has never been a better time to get help than right now. Anorexia disorder treatment is growing more refined with time. The main goal of the average eating disorder treatment center is to address the underlying emotional issues behind anorexia. By helping people heal in totality, treatment centers reduce the risk of regression tremendously.
This care may take many forms. You may be a part of a residential program or outpatient program. You may receive medication-assisted treatment or more holistic treatment. Nutritionists and dieticians will be on hand to help you get healthy again. Therapy ranges from individual to group to family sessions.
The purpose of this is to help you develop the life skills and support systems you need to maintain your health. Don’t let these disturbing anorexia nervosa statistics persist into the future. The time to make a change is now. If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, contact a treatment center today!