title: Negative self-image and outcome in eating disorders: results at 3-year follow-up.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Negative self-image has been hypothesised to be of aetiological significance in eating disorders; however, its relationship to outcome remains unclear. The present study examined the relationship between self-image and follow-up status in a heterogeneous sample of eating disorder patients (N=246).
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were assessed at intake and after 36 months. Self-image was measured using SASB, and a general outcome measure was calculated comprising eating disorder symptoms, occupational status, interpersonal relationships and general psychopathology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  SASB self-hate was the most important variable for predicting poor outcome, followed by occupational status, interpersonal relationships, eating disorder symptoms, SASB self-emancipation and general psychiatric symptoms. Together these variables predicted 23% of the variance in outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High levels of self-hate may increase the risk of poor outcome in eating disorders by adversely affecting interpersonal relationships and making it difficult for patients to engage in treatment.
authors.affiliation: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Section for Psychiatry, Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, M57, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. caroline.bjorck@ki.se
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Björck
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clinton
authors.forename: Staffan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sohlberg
authors.forename: Claes
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Norring
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D004651:Employment; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006252:Hate; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome