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Management and Outcome in Anorexia Nervosa

A Standardized Prognostic Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

H. G. Morgan ,
Joan Purgold  and
Jill Welbourne
H. G. Morgan
Affiliation:
University of Bristol, 39/41 St Michael's Hill, Bristol BS2 8DZ
Joan Purgold
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, University of Bristol
Jill Welbourne
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, University of Bristol
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Summary

The outcome of 78 patients with anorexia nervosa treated in a special clinic is described, using a standardized follow-up technique. The findings are compared with two previous studies which utilized an identical evaluation procedure. Certain predictors of poor outcome already identified by previous studies (long duration of illness before referral, previous personality problems, difficulties in relationship between family and patient) are confirmed. The findings suggest that early intervention may be an important component of effective treatment. The possible advantages of long term continuity of outpatient care are also discussed and the need for careful scrutiny of criteria for hospital admission emphasized.

It is concluded that chronic morbidity due to anorexia nervosa represents an important topic for further research. There is need for further identification of factors associated with chronicity, some of which may be secondary repercussions of the illness itself, and prospective evaluation of treatment programmes which focus on predictors of poor outcome.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 143 , Issue 3 , September 1983 , pp. 282 - 287
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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