Eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates in comparison to other psychiatric illnesses, and 1 in 5 individuals with anorexia nervosa who die, do so due to suicide. Furthermore, people with an eating disorder are more likely to engage in self-harm and experience suicidal ideation. These are distressing for themselves and their families, and are strong risk factors for suicide.
This research project combines data science and perspectives from people with lived experience in order to map out why people with eating disorders are at a higher risk of suicide.
The project aims to build and test a theoretical model that describes the mechanisms between different eating disorders and thoughts of suicide and self-harm.
There is currently no theoretical framework that explains why people with eating disorders are at a higher risk of suicide or thoughts of self-harm. This project will:
This project will help us to better understand why people with eating disorders are at a higher risk of suicide, therefore leading to more effective ways of preventing it from happening.
By increasing our understanding of the mechanisms between eating disorders, suicidal ideation and thoughts about self-harm, we can identify methods for more targeted interventions, improve overall clinical care and provide better support for patients and their families.
Dr Moritz Herle is a lecturer in psychology at the Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King’s College London. His research focuses on the origins and development of eating behaviours, childhood weight and their impact on later health outcomes such as eating disorders and obesity. Moritz’s research is interdisciplinary and he has published in leading journals in psychology, psychiatry and epidemiology.
“I am committed to improving access to academic research and patient and public involvement and engagement. I feel strongly about reaching out, and learning, from different stakeholders.”
This project is co-funded by the Rosetrees Trust and Stoneygate Trust.
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