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Bulimia nervosa: a 5-year follow-up study
E Johnson-Sabine1, D Reiss, D Dayson
1Academic Department of Psychiatry, Royal Free Hospital, London.
Psychological Medicine
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Long-term follow-up of bulimia nervosa patients shows varied outcomes. While many improve, a significant portion still struggle with symptoms after five years, highlighting the need for ongoing research into effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders Research
Background:
- Bulimia nervosa is a complex eating disorder with significant long-term health implications.
- Understanding the long-term prognosis and recovery rates is crucial for patient care and treatment development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa.
- To identify factors associated with recovery and good prognosis in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 50 patients with bulimia nervosa was followed for at least 5 years.
- Data collection involved standardized interviews, observer-rated instruments, and self-rated questionnaires at baseline and follow-up.
- Outcome assessment included diagnostic criteria, behavioral symptoms, social functioning, and mood state.
Main Results:
- A 72% response rate was achieved at follow-up, with one patient deceased.
- Complete recovery was observed in 31% of traced patients, while 25% still met diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa.
- 47.2% of responders achieved a 'good' outcome based on behavioral symptoms, associated with fewer social problems and higher social class.
Conclusions:
- Long-term follow-up reveals a mixed prognosis for bulimia nervosa, with a substantial proportion experiencing persistent symptoms.
- Improvements in eating attitudes, reduced symptom interference, and better mood states were reported across all outcome groups.
- No specific predictive factors for outcome were identified in this study, suggesting the need for further research.