Temporal Trends in Treatment Utilization for Disordered Eating in U.S. Adolescents From 2004 Through 2017: A Nationally Representative Study

Purpose: The aim of the article was to assess temporal changes in adolescent treatment utilization for disordered eating.

Methods: Data were drawn from adolescents (unweighted N = 236,752), aged 12-17 years, in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health for 2004-2017. Joinpoint regression assessed temporal trends in overall treatment utilization for disordered eating and broken down by inpatient and outpatient services.

Results: Overall treatment utilization ranged from 840 to 1,734 per 100,000 across the 14-year study period. An increase in overall treatment utilization was observed starting in 2010. A similar pattern was observed for outpatient care, with an increase starting in 2010. For inpatient care, an increase in service use was observed across the entire 14-year period.

Conclusions: Treatment utilization for eating problems has increased over time. However, a substantial proportion of teens with eating problems remains without treatment. These findings highlight the need for increased efforts to develop strategies addressing this unmet need.