Bulimia nervosa: a 5-year follow-up study.
Fifty patients with bulimia nervosa were followed up for a minimum length of 5 years. Standardized interviews, observer-rated instruments and self-rated questionnaires were employed both at entry and at completion of the follow-up period. After tracing, the positive response rate was 72%; one patient had died. At the time of follow-up 31% of those traced had made a complete recovery and 25% still fulfilled diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa. Judged on behavioural symptoms 47.2% of responders had a 'good' outcome. Good outcome was associated with fewer social problems, higher social class, and a significant improvement in eating attitudes at follow-up. All outcome groups reported a reduction of interference by symptoms in other areas of life, and an improvement in mood state. No factors, including those described in previous studies, were identified which predicted outcome.
Johnson-Sabine
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E
Academic Department of Psychiatry, Royal Free Hospital, London.
Reiss
D
D
Dayson
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D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012657:Self-Help Groups