How high are the costs of eating disorders - anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa - for German society?

Abstract

Anorexia and bulimia are relatively rare psychogenic illnesses, which nevertheless are of great concern for society since they affect a mostly very young population and are accompanied by a significantly raised mortality risk. This cost-of-illness analysis for eating disorders in Germany considers hospitalization, rehabilitation services, and indirect costs through inability to work and premature death. The cost estimates are based on projections derived from benefit data as listed by health insurance schemes and pension insurance schemes and from epidemiological studies on the prevalence of eating disorders and mortality rates. For anorexia the cost of illness amounts to approximately 195 million euros (73 direct costs and 122 mortality costs, for bulimia it comes to around 124 million euros (12 direct costs and 112 mortality costs). The annual cost per anorexia and bulimia patient is approximately 5,300 and 1,300 euros, respectively. This cost-of-illness analysis underlines the significance of indirect costs due to premature death, but also highlights the extremely cost-intensive treatment. The hospitalization cost of 12,800 euros per anorexia patient is markedly higher than the average hospitalization cost of 3,600 euros.

A genome-wide association study on common SNPs and rare CNVs in anorexia nervosa

“…[15][16][17][18][19] The evidence base for treatment for AN has been described as "weak," 20,21 and treatment and extended inpatient hospitalizations for weight restoration are costly. 22,23 In sum, the public health impact of AN is considerable, and AN carries substantial morbidity, mortality, and personal, familial, and societal costs.…”

Home Parenteral Nutrition Therapy in Seven Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: The Role and Indications

“…A study in Germany found that the cost of hospitalization of patients with AN was markedly higher than the average hospitalization cost (22). Furthermore, some insurance companies refuse payment for such care in the United States.…”

Cost evaluation of out-of-country care for patients with eating disorders in Ontario: a population-based study

“…20 In Germany, costs in 1998 were €65 million for anorexia nervosa and €10 million for bulimia nervosa. 21 In Australia, health care costs of eating disorders were A$22 million in 1993/94. 22 Other cost studies that focused mostly on inpatient care gave highly variable estimates.…”