Vrabel Karianne R, Rosenvinge Jan H, Hoffart Asle, Martinsen Egil W, Rø Oyvind
Modum Bad, Research Institute, Vikersund, Norway.
Int J Eat Disord. 2008 Apr;41(3):224-32. doi: 10.1002/eat.20485.
The objectives of this article were to study the course and outcome of longstanding eating disorders (ED) 5 years after completing treatment and to identify subgroups of patients with different course and outcome.
A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 30 years were assessed at the beginning and end of in-patient therapy and at 1-, 2- and 5-year follow-up, respectively.
Of the 90% who participated in the 5-year follow-up, 46 patients (61%) had improved, and 30 (39%) did not meet diagnostic criteria for an ED. Cluster analysis identified a group of patient with no improvement over time.
Overall, the course is favourable, but a subgroup of patients with no improvement over time may need intensified treatment efforts.
