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

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.