OUTCOME AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS OF ANOREXI A-NERVOSA - FOLLOW-UP-STUDYOF 41 PATIENTS

The purpose of the following study was a multidimensional assessment o f the course of anorexia nervosa. In our follow-up-study we were able to examine 41 out of 51 patients meeting DSM-111 R criteria for anorex ia nervosa in our department at a mean Follow-up of 5;3 years. At the first evaluation the patients were characterized by an early age of on set (mean 14;2 years), no or very little previous psychiatric treatmen t, and restrictive eating habits (72,5%); the mean age was 15;2 years. at the time of follow-up, the physical outcome was unfavourable for 50 % of the patients; one patient had died. The psychosocial outcome was less favourable for 60%. Against the background of a neurotic structur e, social and sexual disturbances were found although the patient's we ight was often normal. Depressive symptoms and a ''slimness ideal'' we re found among a large number of patients,just as much as the fear of gaining weight - which prove to be a reliable indicator for the contin uation of an eating disorder. A multidimensional evaluation facilitate s an assessment of the determinants of prognosis. Previous psychiatric treatment and Tow body weight were associated with an unfavourable, m ention of problems/disturbances in the family environment with a good somatic outcome. Outpatient treatment indicates a favourable psychosoc ial outcome.