Comorbidity and Parent-Child Problems in Inpatient Treatment Outcomes for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract Objective Inpatient treatment is recommended for adolescents with anorexia nervosa when outpatient care is insufficient, yet data on treatment outcomes in this group are limited. This study examined patient characteristics and outcomes, and whether comorbid psychiatric disorders and/or reported parent-child relational problems were related to group differences in length of stay and weight gain. Method We conducted a study with 127 adolescents (M = 15.0 years; n = 117 female) voluntarily admitted to a specialized inpatient unit for eating disorders. No tube feeding was used. Comorbidity and parent-child relational problems were assessed using a standardized clinical protocol, and weight was measured at admission and discharge. Results Adolescents with one or two comorbid disorders had significantly longer inpatient stays (M = 3 weeks) than those without. Those with three or more comorbidities, and those with or without parent-child relational problems, showed no differences in length of stay or weight gain. Discussion Adolescents with one or two comorbidities required longer stays to achieve similar weight outcomes, suggesting greater treatment complexity. Those with three or more had shorter stays, possibly due to early discharge planning. Findings highlight the need for individualized care and broader outcome measures.