Long-term outcome of children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa: study of comorbidity.
Eighty-seven children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa, admitted to the Gaslini Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry between 1976 and 1990, were followed up after a mean of 9.6 years. Outcome measures included the Morgan Russell Outcome Schedule as modified by Jeammet. Outcome was good in 43 (53%) cases, intermediate in 27 (34%) cases, and negative in 11 (14%) cases. No deaths occurred. Based on the Jeammet assessment schedule, the most significant items predicting outcome were insight; sexual, familial, and social relationships; and mental state. Gender of patients and early disease onset did not seem to be predictive measures. Poor outcome was associated with a severe initial clinical picture and length of in-patient treatment. In regard to comorbidity, mood and personality disorders seemed to be negative prognostic indicators, whereas anxiety disorders did not show prognostic value.
Saccomani
L
L
Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Gaslini Institute, Italy.
Savoini
M
M
Cirrincione
M
M
Vercellino
F
F
Ravera
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000150:complications; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications; D011379:Prognosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index