The selectivity of inclusion and exclusion criteria in bulimia nervosa treatment studies.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the rates of exclusion and inclusion in various research studies for a series of 51 treatment-seeking patients.


METHODS
The inclusion and exclusion criteria employed in a sample of 41 studies were applied to a series of 51 treatment-seeking bulimia nervosa patients.


RESULTS
Of the sample of 51, 11, (21.6%) would have been excluded from 16 (39%) of the studies because of an age greater than 30; 13 (32%) of the studies would have excluded 8 (16%) of our patients because of weight > 110% ideal body weight. Thirteen (26%) would have been excluded from 22 (54%) of the studies because of active psychotropic drug use, despite the lack of response.


CONCLUSIONS
Some of the patients who may be most difficult to work with may be excluded from treatment studies.
Mitchell
J E
JE
Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
Maki
D D
DD
Adson
D E
DE
Ruskin
B S
BS
Crow
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015982:Bias; D001835:Body Weight; D002032:Bulimia / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D012107:Research Design; D012737:Sex Factors