The high cost of eating disorders

Diana took a laxative overdose

Diana Shaw's* parents spent £25,000 helping her cope with her anorexia and binge eating.

NHS waiting lists were too lengthy and her family worried that Diana's weight problems were too serious to wait so they got her into a private clinic.

Diana's weight had dropped from 10.7 stone to eight stone and her binge eating started to take its toll on her body.

She was obsessed with her body image and convinced she was "too fat".

Report

Diana also took a laxative overdose and doctors warned her parents that if she did this again she would be unlikely to survive.

"The Hidden Cost of Eating Disorders", published this week to mark Eating Disorders Awareness week, warns that many families like the Shaws struggle to cope.

The Eating Disorders Association (EDA) estimate that the direct costs of treating a patient with an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating can be as high as £45,000.

Once she took a laxative overdose and the doctors did warn us that if she did it again there was no way she would live to tell the tale

Elizabeth Shaw

Even a basic 12 week specialist in-patient course of treatment on the NHS costs about £25,000 - and the cost of private treatment be much higher.

The EDA warn that many insurance companies are refusing to cover the cost for mental health problems such as eating disorders, which leaves many people struggling to cover costs.

They call for an urgent review of funding and better provision for the whole of the UK.

A spokesman for the EDA said that services currently tend to be centred around London and the home counties, but that many are many areas, like Wales, with no in-patient provision.

"We want things to be more equitable. We feel that at the very least there should be a specialist eating disorder service within every county."

He said that as well as the financial costs treating disorders leave an appalling legacy of health and social costs.

People with eating disorders can suffer infertility, osteoporosis, dental problems, heart and renal failure, as well as self-harming behaviour and long periods of hospital care.

Stresses

Their families also suffer the strain, with many buckling under the financial and emotional stresses.

Elizabeth Shaw explained that her family had been put under severe stress when Diana's problems started.

"She has had an eating disorder since she was 12, but it was not diagnosed until she was 16. She is now 24.

"She has been anorexic and bulimic and for some time she was binge eating.

"She has had laxative abuse problems, problems with her job, huge depressions and behavioural problems. She has had impulsive and addictive problems and can't form or keep relationships.

"Once she took a laxative overdose and the doctors did warn us that if she did it again there was no way she would live to tell the tale."

Diana stuck to rigid routines, only eating certain food stuffs and power walking to excess.

Family

And Elizabeth said the strain had taken its toll on the rest of the family.

"Our family has suffered a great deal. The impact on the family has been enormous and the rows and fights have rebounded on everyone.

"The costs of treating an eating disorder is ruinous. We spent £25,000 and that is money a lot of people just can't afford.

"But the treatment has been our saviour and she is a lot better. But at what a cost."

*The names have been changed.

The EDA helpline number is 0845 634 1414 and it is open 8.30am-8.30pm weekdays.