[Incidence of eating disorders in psychiatric health services in Denmark 1970-1993].

By means of data from the nationwide Danish Psychiatric Case Register all first-ever diagnosed patients with eating disorders in Danish psychiatric in- and day-patient services were identified for the period 1970-1993, comprising 1529 persons in all, with 92% being female. Based on age-specific and age-standardized rates the regression lines were calculated for various definitions of eating disorders and definitions of periods. All were found to be increasing significantly. The maximum increase in rate was found among 15-24 year-old females: 0.40 per 100,000 per year. No changes in incidence were found in males.