[Psychopathological considerations regarding middle- to long-term outcomes for patients with anorexia nervosa, in terms of therapeutic response].
The author investigated middle- to long-term therapeutic response among 14 patients with anorexia nervosa treated for one year or longer. The factors associated with recovery were: (1) Onset in pre-adolescence; (2) Short duration of disorder prior to consultation; (3) Core symptoms restricted to eating; (4) Presence of three clinical characteristics (improvement of relationships with family, improvement in physical comorbidity, experience of "hitting bottom"). The factors associated with deterioration were: (1) Long duration of disorder prior to consultation; (2) Core symptoms of binge-eating with purging; (3) Presence of clinical features of borderline personality disorder; (4) Presence of two clinical characteristics (worsening relationships with family, therapist involved in manipulation by patient). In terms of the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa, anorectic patients are constantly pursuing a "thin body image" due to distrust in human relationships. One of the most important steps towards recovering from anorexia nervosa is therefore to re-establish a basic trust in human relationships.
Shibata
Akihiko
A
Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Gifu City Hospital.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011599:Psychopathology; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D035502:Trust