Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
Relapse in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Tamara Berends1, Nynke Boonstra2, Annemarie van Elburg1,3,4
1Altrecht Eating Disorders Rintveld, Zeist.
Purpose Of Review:
Relapse is common in patients with anorexia nervosa. The aim of this study is to systematically review the existing literature on relapse in anorexia nervosa.
Recent Findings:
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsychInfo and CINAHL published up to April 2018. Of the 1527 studies screened, 16 studies were included in the present review.
Summary:
This analysis shows that, of the patients included in this review, 31% relapsed after treatment. The highest risk of relapse is during the first year after discharge and this risk continues for up to 2 years. An overview was made of all factors significantly associated with a higher risk of relapse, resulting in the following four clusters: eating disorder variables, comorbidity symptoms, process treatment variables and demographic variables. Future research on relapse prevention is necessary to further unravel the mechanisms that might lead to relapse.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Review and Preview
Percentiles are a type of fractile that partition data into...
Review and Preview
Random and Systematic Errors
Directing Effect of Substituents: meta-Directing Groups

