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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
04:48
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Outcome in patients with eating disorders: a 5-year study
D I Ben-Tovim1, K Walker, P Gilchrist
1Clinical Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Unit Flinders Medical Centre, SA 5042, Adelaide, Australia. David.Ben-Tovin@fmc.sa.gov.au
Lancet (London, England)
|June 22, 2001
Summary
Existing eating disorder treatments show questionable efficacy. Predictors of outcome vary by diagnosis, with initial symptom severity for anorexia nervosa and psychosocial factors for bulimia nervosa being key.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Eating disorders are severe, unpredictable, and challenging to treat conditions.
- A prospective 5-year study investigated predictors of outcome and treatment effects in a patient cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with eating disorders.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of available treatments for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and EDNOS.
Main Methods:
- Prospective investigation of 216 patients (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, EDNOS) over 5 years.
- Patients classified by treatment status (specialist unit, safe body weight) and treatment intensity.
- Assessment of clinical symptoms, body-related attitudes, and psychosocial functioning.
Main Results:
- High recovery rates observed: 74% bulimia nervosa, 78% EDNOS, 56% anorexia nervosa patients no longer met diagnostic criteria.
- Outcome predictors differed: initial symptom extent/intensity for anorexia nervosa; body attitudes and psychosocial function for bulimia nervosa.
- Treatment received did not significantly impact outcomes across all eating disorder groups.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the serious mortality associated with eating disorders.
- Findings raise concerns about the efficacy of current interventions for eating disorders.
- Further research is needed to develop more effective treatment strategies.
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