Work

Treatment Utilization and Medical Problems in a Community Sample of Adult Women With Anorexia Nervosa

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Anorexia nervosa has a prolonged course of illness, making both defining recovery and determining optimal outpatient treatments difficult. Here, we report the types of treatments utilized in a naturalistic sample of adult women with anorexia nervosa in Texas. Participants were recruited from earlier studies of women with anorexia nervosa (AN-C, n = 28) and in weight recovery following anorexia nervosa (AN-WR, n = 18). Participants provided information about both their illness and treatments during their most severe period (severe period) as well as during the two to six years following original assessments (follow-up period). New follow-up groups were defined based on current clinical status (continued eating disorder, AN-CC; newly in recovery, AN-CR; sustained weight-recovery, AN-WS), and clinical utilization was compared across groups. There were no differences in groups related to symptoms or treatments utilized during the severe-period. During the follow-up period, intensive outpatient programs were utilized significantly more by the AN-CC group than the other groups, and dietitians were seen significantly less by the AN-WS group. Medical complications related to the ED were significantly more common in the AN-CC group. All groups maintained similar levels of contact with outpatient psychiatrists, therapists, and primary care physicians.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00981

Authors: Brooks Brodrick, Jessica A. Harper, Erin Van Enkevort, Carrie J. McAdams

Institutions: Parkland Health & Hospital System, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Children's Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,950