Early‐onset eating disorders in Australian children: A national surveillance study showing increased incidence. Issue 12 (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morris, Anne; Elliott, Elizabeth; Madden, Sloane
• Is Part Of: International journal of eating disorders. Volume 55:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: 1838
• Page End: 1842
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: anorexia nervosa -- children -- early‐onset -- eating disorders -- eating disorders -- pediatric surveillance; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Ingestion disorders -- Periodicals; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.23794
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0276-3478

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to collect prospective national data on early‐onset eating disorders (EOEDs) in children in Australia to document changes in clinical presentations, medical complications, management, and incidence since initially described in 2002–2005. Method: Each month pediatricians reported children aged 5–13 years newly diagnosed with an eating disorder to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit and provided de‐identified clinical data. Results: Between 2016 and 2018, 184 children were confirmed with EOED with a minimum estimated national incidence of 2.79 per 100, 000 children aged 5–13 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.40–3.23), nearly double the previously recorded incidence. The mean age at diagnosis was 12.2 years; 43(24%) were boys who were younger than girls (11.85 vs. 12.33 years; p = .03). All had food avoidance. Common symptoms included fear of weight gain 140 (76%), preoccupation with body weight 134 (73%), and misperception of body size 116 (63%). Bradycardia was present in 83 (45%) and 117 (64%) who required hospital admission. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‐5) criteria for anorexia nervosa were met for 144 (78%). Discussion: Children with eating disorders continue to present with severe illness. Near doubling in incidence in just over a 10‐year period highlights the need for increased clinical resourcing and comparable international data. Public Significance: The incidence of new presentations of eating disorders in children aged 5–13 years has nearly doubled since a similar study was conducted over 10 years ago. Children were unwell for an average of 8 months before diagnosis; approximately 80% had a clear diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and 64% needed hospital admission due to medical complications. This highlights the need for improvements in education and clinical resources for this age group.