Characteristics of patients in an eating disorder sample who dropped out: 2-year follow-up

Eat Weight Disord. 2019 Aug;24(4):767-775. doi: 10.1007/s40519-017-0416-7. Epub 2017 Jul 17.

Abstract

Objective: This manuscript explores the characteristics of individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder who dropped out of treatment, compared with those who completed it.

Method: The participants were 196 patients diagnosed with eating disorders (according to DSM-IV-TR criteria) who consecutively began treatment for the first time in an eating disorders unit. They were assessed at baseline with a set of questionnaires evaluating eating habits, temperament, and general psychopathology. During the follow-up period, patients who dropped out were re-assessed via a telephone interview.

Results: In the course of a 2-year follow-up, a total of 80 (40.8%) patients were labeled as dropouts, and 116 (59.2%) remaining subjects were considered completers. High TCI scores in the character dimensions of Disorderliness (NS4) (p < .01) and total Novelty Seeking (NST), along with low scores in Dependency (RD4), were significantly associated with dropout in the course of 2 years. Once the results were submitted to logistic regression analysis, dropout only remained associated with high scores in Disorderliness (NS4) and, inversely, with an initial Anorexia Nervosa (AN) diagnosis (p < .05). Reasons for dropout stated by the patients included logistic difficulties, subjective improvement of their condition, and lack of motivation.

Discussion: Clinicians should handle the first therapeutic intervention with particular care in order to enhance their understanding of clients and their ability to rapidly identify those who are at risk of dropping out of treatment.

Level of evidence: Level III: Cohort Study.

Keywords: Dropout; Eating disorders; Follow-up; Outcome.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Dropouts / psychology*
  • Personality / physiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Temperament
  • Young Adult