Trans-diagnostic outcome of eating disorders: A 30-month follow-up study of 629 patients

Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2010 Nov-Dec;18(6):453-63. doi: 10.1002/erv.1025.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the 30-month outcome and predictors of outcome in a cohort of patients with any eating disorder (ED).

Method: A naturalistic design was used to determine time to remission, predictors of remission, relapse, diagnostic cross-over and mortality of 629 patients.

Results: At follow-up (FU) 312 patients attended, 42% obtained full remission and 72% partial remission. No differences were found between diagnostic groups for adolescents. Adult patients with anorexia-like eating disorder not otherwise specified-anorexia nervosa (EDNOS-AN) had the poorest outcome. Bulimia-like EDNOS was the most frequent relapse diagnosis. Bingeing/purging behaviour predicted a poorer outcome for individuals with bulimic disorders. Desired low BMI predicted a poorer outcome for individuals with anorexia. Comorbid personality disorder was a common predictor of a worse outcome.

Conclusion: Adults with EDNOS-AN had the poorest prognosis. Bulimic symptoms emerged frequently during FU regardless of diagnosis. Remission rates and outcome predictors were similar to previous findings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Family Therapy*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Prognosis
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Recurrence
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome