Archives of Mental Health (Jan 2016)
A study of eating disorders in children and adolescents from a tertiary care centre in India
Abstract
Background: Eating Disorders (ED) were largely thought of as a western phenomenon; however studies have shown that these disorders exist in India. The exact incidence & prevalence of ED is not known in India. We present data from a 10 year retrospective chart review from a tertiary care child and adolescent psychiatry centre in India. Methodology: A 10 year (March 2002-March 2012) retrospective chart review of children and adolescents (up to 16 years) who had attended the child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient services at our centre and diagnosed to have Eating Disorders according to ICD-10 were included in the study. Results: The 10 year prevalence rate of eating disorders was 0.063%. Eating disorders was more common in females (83.3 %)( n=10) in this sample. The female to male ratio was 5:1. The mean age at presentation was 14.42 years (SD 1.08). 83.3% had a co-morbid psychiatric disorder with obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression being the most common. Conclusion: The prevalence of eating disorders was low, however further epidemiological studies are required to ascertain community prevalence of eating disorders. The rates of psychiatric comorbidity including suicidality are high. Therefore, both eating disorders and comorbid psychiatric disorders require a thorough evaluation and holistic management.
