The Outcome of Adolescent-Onset Anorexia Nervosa: A Study of 144 Cases

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term outcome of adolescents with anorexia nervosa and attempt to define prognostic factors for outcome. Methods: Transversal, descriptive epidemiological study with a strict methodology: minimum interval of 4 years since first admission, evaluation using clearly defined diagnostic criteria (EAT-40 self-evaluation, HSCL, global patient-driven self-evaluation and hetero evaluation: clinical interview and LECE). The 198 subjects are former adolescent anorexics treated at the Hôpital d’Enfants (Children’s Hospital) in Nancy (France). Results: Clinical evaluation of the 144 subjects traced showed positive outcome for 68.1%, intermediate outcome for 23.2% and poor outcome for 8.7%. 5 factors for a good prognosis were found (middle socioeconomic class of parents, no prior treatment, hospitalization > 1 month, follow-up < 12 months, no re-admission to hospital). Discussion: This study, which is one of the largest studies on the outcome of adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa in France, shows the value of integrated treatment within a children’s hospital.