Table 2 Financial and other economic impacts reported by COSTS study carer participants (n = 121 unless otherwise stated)

Loss of income (past year/last year of ED, 2020 $NZ)^a (n = 87)

$11,650 ($200–$141,950)

Reduction in income (%)

13.6% (1.8–100%)

Work/study hours (past/last year) (n = 112)

None, no impact

29 (25.9%)

Reduced hours per week

5 h (0–40 h)

Reduced productivity in work or study

98 (90.7%)

Extent of reduced productivity (n = 90)

66% (0–86%)

Prevented engaging in regular work/study

23 (20.5%)

Need to take extended sick leave (at least 4 weeks) (n = 102)

38 (37.3%)

Publicly funded treatment—for those reporting additional out of pocket costs (n = 23)

$1000 ($150–$5000)

Private treatment costs (n = 55)^b

$4000 ($150–$30,000)

Travel/accommodation/relocation costs within NZ (n = 47)

$750 (range $125–$300,000)

Had medical insurance to cover treatment costs (n = 116)

8 (6.6%)

Accessed finance/sold assets to pay for treatment (n = 103)

14 (12.6%)

Increased food costs related to binge eating (n = 28)

$1500 ($125–$10,400)

Medication costs (out of pocket) (n = 109)

$125 (0–$2250)