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The selectivity of inclusion and exclusion criteria in bulimia nervosa treatment studies
J E Mitchell1, D D Maki, D E Adson
1Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
Objective:
To examine the rates of exclusion and inclusion in various research studies for a series of 51 treatment-seeking patients.
Method:
The inclusion and exclusion criteria employed in a sample of 41 studies were applied to a series of 51 treatment-seeking bulimia nervosa patients.
Results:
Of the sample of 51, 11, (21.6%) would have been excluded from 16 (39%) of the studies because of an age greater than 30; 13 (32%) of the studies would have excluded 8 (16%) of our patients because of weight > 110% ideal body weight. Thirteen (26%) would have been excluded from 22 (54%) of the studies because of active psychotropic drug use, despite the lack of response.
Discussion:
Some of the patients who may be most difficult to work with may be excluded from treatment studies.