Eating disorders are internationally reported to be amongst the highest mortality and suicide rates in mental health, although there is limited Australian mortality data reported and no research to date into the factors that may promote premature death. This study is interrogating health and coronial records to investigate potential causes of eating disorder-related deaths with the purpose of developing a mortality risk profile and clinical practice guidelines to reduce the risk of intentional and non-intentional eating disorder-related deaths.

Initial findings highlight that we must rethink our strategies for the care of people living with an eating disorder to include long-term follow-up after treatment and how to support people at danger of becoming disengaged with health services and social support systems. We need to learn more about suicide risk factors, toxicology impacts of prescribed medication and illicit drug use for people with an eating disorder, and contribute not only to the knowledge of medical implications of an eating disorder but also the risks of mental health conditions.

Partners/Organisations: University of Sydney School of Public Health

Presentations:

Miskovic-Wheatley, J., Smith-Merry, J., Nassar, N., Russell, J., & Maguire, S. “Unexpected” deaths: Coronial findings to inform understanding of eating disorders. 2020 International Conference for Eating Disorders, Academy of Eating Disorders.