Bulimia nervosa: 5-year social outcome and relationship to eating pathology

From an original sample of 50 patients, 32 female patients with bulimia nervosa were followed up for a minimum length of 5 years. Standardized interviews were employed to assess eating attitudes and behavior as well as social status both at entry and at completion of the follow-up period. All participants completed the Social Problem Questionnaire at follow-up. Social outcome was found to parallel eating disorder outcome. Being in a satisfactory stable relationship was associated with good eating disorder outcome. Being in a stable relationship was not related to eating disorder outcome. Good outcome was also associated with higher occupational social class, and having a fulfilling social life and job.