A Zeeck1, T Herzog. 1. Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychosomatik, Abt. für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapeutische Medizin, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dropout is a neglected area of research; patients with anorexia nervosa are a group with high risk for dropout. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: 1. What are the frequency and type of dropout in disorder-specific, integrated treatment programs for anorexic patients? 2. What are the predictors for dropout? METHOD: Analysis of 80 prospectively documented, consecutive treatment episodes of anorexic inpatients, based on multimodal clinical and psychometric parameters. RESULTS: Twenty percent of patients terminated on their own initiative, often after reaching target weight; 10% were discharged by the treatment team. At least 43% of dropouts continued with some sort of psychotherapy within the 3 months after discharge. Previous dropout was a predictor for dropout in the present episodes. Patients with no comorbidity had a higher risk of dropout. Patients discharged by the team had personality disorders more often. Patients with comorbid depression stayed in treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The form of termination of treatment should be routinely assessed. Previous dropout and comorbidity are indicators of the risk of dropout.
BACKGROUND: Dropout is a neglected area of research; patients with anorexia nervosa are a group with high risk for dropout. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: 1. What are the frequency and type of dropout in disorder-specific, integrated treatment programs for anorexic patients? 2. What are the predictors for dropout? METHOD: Analysis of 80 prospectively documented, consecutive treatment episodes of anorexic inpatients, based on multimodal clinical and psychometric parameters. RESULTS: Twenty percent of patients terminated on their own initiative, often after reaching target weight; 10% were discharged by the treatment team. At least 43% of dropouts continued with some sort of psychotherapy within the 3 months after discharge. Previous dropout was a predictor for dropout in the present episodes. Patients with no comorbidity had a higher risk of dropout. Patients discharged by the team had personality disorders more often. Patients with comorbid depression stayed in treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The form of termination of treatment should be routinely assessed. Previous dropout and comorbidity are indicators of the risk of dropout.
Authors: L Pingani; S Catellani; F Arnone; E De Bernardis; V Vinci; G Ziosi; G Turrini; M Rigatelli; S Ferrari Journal: Eat Weight Disord Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 4.652