Subtyping eating disorders: is it justified?
OBJECTIVE
DSM-IV subtypes anorexia nervosa by the presence or absence of bulimic symptoms. Assessing whether bulimic symptoms are related to the probability of recovery can provide justification for subtyping of anorexia.


METHODS
Two hundred twenty-five treatment-seeking women with anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa were interviewed every 3 months for up to 4 years. Survival methods were used for analyses.


RESULTS
Less than half of the entire cohort recovered; however, the great majority of the women became less symptomatic over time. Contrary to findings from previous studies, bulimic anorexics had a higher rate of recovery than restricting anorexics.


CONCLUSIONS
Differences in course provide some support for the subtyping of anorexia nervosa. Additional prospective studies are needed before subtyping can be warranted.
Herzog
D B
DB
Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Field
A E
AE
Keller
M B
MB
West
J C
JC
Robbins
W M
WM
Staley
J
J
Colditz
G A
GA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002032:Bulimia / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008404:Massachusetts; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome