Summary:
The aim of this study is to conduct a review on the prevalence, consequences, management, and prevention of eating disorders (EDs) among adolescents in Switzerland and analyze the efectiveness of current prevention programs. An extensive search was conducted across databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus, and later expanded to other
alternative information sources using specifc keywords, such as “adolescents,” “eating disorders,” “anorexia nervosa,” “bulimia nervosa,” “binge eating disorder,” “prevalence,” “Switzerland,” “consequences,” “prevention,” and “management.”
Five publications and reports were selected: three focused on prevalence, one on treatment, and one on the consequence of Eds. No studies specifcally addressing prevention strategies for adolescents were identifed. Recent data indicate that approximately 3.5% of the Swiss population will experience an ED during their lifetime, with a notable 24% increase in
treatments for EDs among young women recorded in 2021. Additionally, between 5 and 10% of individuals afected by EDs face severe outcomes, including death by suicide or somatic complications. Prevention initiatives show varying results, with notable regional disparities. These fndings underscore the critical need for enhanced policies and practices in mental health care, particularly with respect to the prevention and early detection of EDs in under-resourced regions
such as Jura. An exploratory research project aimed at identifying needs in prevention and care for EDs is proposed.
SWITCH edu-ID
Administration
