Research Article

Long-term follow-up of adolescent onset anorexia nervosa in northern Sweden

  1. Karin Nilsson*,
  2. Bruno Hägglöf

Article first published online: 12 MAR 2005

DOI: 10.1002/erv.631

Issue

European Eating Disorders Review

European Eating Disorders Review

Volume 13, Issue 2, pages 89–100, March/April 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Nilsson, K. and Hägglöf, B. (2005), Long-term follow-up of adolescent onset anorexia nervosa in northern Sweden. European Eating Disorders Review, 13: 89–100. doi: 10.1002/erv.631

Author Information

  1. Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Umeå University, Sweden

*Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Building 23, NUS, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 12 MAR 2005
  2. Article first published online: 12 MAR 2005

Funded by

  • Visare Norr. Grant Number: 15/1997

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Keywords:

  • anorexia nervosa;
  • outcome;
  • long-term follow-up

Abstract

Objective

This study examines the long-term outcome of adolescent onset anorexia nervosa, 8 and 16 years after first admission to child and adolescent psychiatric (CAP) treatment in northern Sweden.

Method

Two follow-ups (1991 and 1999) were made of 68 women who were first admitted to CAP between 1980 and 1985. The follow-ups included interviews and self-report inventories. Eating disorders and GAF were evaluated according to DSM-III-R.

Results

Recovery increased from 46 (68%) to 58 (85%). EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified) decreased from 16 (24%) to seven (10%). The numbers for anorexia nervosa (AN) were the same, two (3%) in both follow-ups. Bulimia nervosa (BN) decreased from four (6%) in the first follow-up to one (1.5%) in the second follow-up. The mortality rate was one (1%). Self-evaluation of mental health indicated that 15% had problems with depression, anxiety or compulsive symptoms. Somatic problems and paediatric inpatient care during the first treatment period could predict long-term outcome. Most former patients had a satisfactory family and work situation.

Conclusion

Recovery from eating disorders continued during the follow-ups. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

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