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Psychopathological and Clinical Features of Remitted Anorexia Nervosa Patients: A Six‐year Follow‐up Study
Author(s) -
Lo Sauro Carolina,
Castellini Giovanni,
Lelli Lorenzo,
Faravelli Carlo,
Ricca Valdo
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.2177
Subject(s) - psychopathology , anorexia nervosa , eating disorders , psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , anorectic , medicine , body weight
Objective Remission from anorexia nervosa (AN) is a controversial issue, as remitted individuals have been found to show residual anorectic attitudes and concerns about weight and shape. The aims of this study were to evaluate the psychopathological features of remitted AN subjects 6 years after the end of a cognitive behavioural therapy and the predictors of reduction in psychopathology. Methods The sample was composed of 134 AN subjects, evaluated at baseline, at the end of treatment, 3 and 6 years after the end of treatment, by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition and several self‐reported questionnaires. Results Remitted patients at 6 years of follow‐up still showed higher eating and shape concerns, compared with healthy controls. Duration of illness, obsessive‐compulsive and depressive symptoms were moderators of change in psychopathology across time. Discussion Psychopathological features represent an enduring trait for AN patients. General psychopathology showed different effects on symptoms reduction across time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.