Psychological Adjustment in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder Following a 3-Week Inpatient Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Program

Background: This study examined changes in psychological adjustment among patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) following a 3-week inpatient multidisciplinary (disease-tailored) rehabilitation program. Methods: twenty consecutive Italian female adults with a diagnosis of AN (mean age ± SD: 25.9 ± 9.4 years; mean Body Mass Index: BMI: kg/m2: 15.8 ± 1.61) and fifteen consecutive Italian female adults with diagnosis of BED (mean age ± SD: 43.5 ± 15.3 years; mean Body Mass Index: BMI: kg/m2: 41.1 ± 7.82) were admitted to the study. Psychological functioning and well-being were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Psychological General Well-Being Index. Results: Significant improvements in emotional symptoms [F(1, 31) = 21.1973, p < 0.001, ƞ2p = 0.406] and overall psychological functioning [F(1, 31) = 10.0062, p = 0.373, ƞ2p = 0.026] were observed in both groups, with the most pronounced changes in internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Changes in BMI were significantly associated with emotional symptoms, vitality [F(1, 31) = 4.89, p = 0.035, ƞ2p = 0.136], and total well-being scores [F(1, 31) = 6.341, p = 0.017, ƞ2p = 0.170]. By contrast, no significant changes were observed in domains such as behavioral problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationships, probably indicating the need for more prolonged and targeted, domain-specific interventions. Conclusions: A 3-week inpatient multidisciplinary program was associated with improvements in internalizing symptoms and psychological well-being in women with AN and BED. Domains such as behavioral regulation and social functioning showed limited change, indicating the need for longer and targeted psychosocial components.