Self-image and treatment drop-out in eating disorders

Drop-out from treatment is a serious problem in eating disorders which remains poorly understood. The present study investigated whether self-image and interpersonal theory could help to explain why eating disorder patients drop out of treatment.

Intake data on eating disorder patients who terminated treatment prematurely (N=54) were compared with patients who had completed treatment (N=54) and those who were still in treatment after 12 months (N=54). Self-image was assessed using the structural analysis of social behaviour (SASB), and comparisons were made on demographic and clinical variables.

Patients who dropped out had initially presented with less negative self-image and fewer psychological problems compared with remainers. Low levels of SASB self-blame discriminated drop-outs from completers and remainers and significantly predicted treatment drop-out.

Drop-out in eating disorders appears to be a complex phenomenon, not necessarily as pathological as often assumed. There may be important differences in the treatment goals of drop-outs and therapists; patients who drop out may be choosing to disengage at a time when symptom improvement creates space for closer examination of interpersonal issues.