Prevalence of eating disorders in adults with mental retardation living in the community.

The prevalence of eating disorders among 311 adults with mental retardation living in the West Coast of Norway was investigated. Reports stemming from a questionnaire completed by health workers were the data source. Diagnostic criteria adapted for persons with mental retardation were used. The main finding was that 27% of cases showed indices of an eating disorder. Among the eating disorders, binge-eating was the most prevalent. Incidence of anorexia nervosa was higher than that of the general population. Findings suggest that eating disorders are more prevalent in this population than in the general population.