Prediction of weight increase in anorexia nervosa. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karlsson, Gunilla Paulson; Clinton, David; Nevonen, Lauri
• Is Part Of: Nordic journal of psychiatry. Volume 67:Number 6(2013)
• Page Start: 424
• Page End: 432
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Psychopharmacology -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Scandinavia -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.3109/08039488.2012.754051
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-9488

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background:</italic> Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious psychiatric disorder with high mortality rates a poor outcome and no empirically supported treatment of choice for adults. Weight increase is essential for recovery from AN why research exploring important contributors is crucial. <italic>Aims:</italic> The current study examined the importance of motivation to change eating behaviour, treatment expectations and experiences, eating disorder symptomatology, self-image and treatment alliance for predicting weight increase. <italic>Methods:</italic> Female patients (<italic>n = </italic>89) between 18 and 46 years of age with AN were assessed pre-treatment and at 6- and 36-month follow-ups with interviews and self-report questionnaires. At the 6-month follow-up the response rates differed from <italic>n = </italic>58 (65%) to 66 (74%), and at the 36-month follow-up the response rates differed from <italic>n = </italic>71 (80%) to 82 (92%). <italic>Results:</italic> At treatment start, expressed motivation to change eating habits, social insecurity and self-neglect were predictors of weight increase from 0 to 6 months, while duration, the time from onset to entering treatment, body dissatisfaction and interoceptive awareness were predictors of weight increase from 0 to 36 months. <italic>Conclusions:</italic> In designing treatment for adult patients with AN, it is essential to include multifaceted interventions addressed to patients' motivation to change, social relations, negative self-image and body dissatisfaction in order to achieve weight increase. Early detection and thereby short duration is an additional important factor that contributes to weight increase.</p> </abstract>