Prediction of the course of anorexia nervosa/bulimia nervosa over three years

The search for course and outcome predictors in anorexia nervosa has a long but not very successful history. In the present investigation, 32 adults with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa were studied 1, 2, and 3 years after presentation to a university hospital psychiatric clinic. As predicted, status after 1 year was strikingly poorer for those with less ego strength and more stressful life events (44% variance explained). However, this result was not replicated after 2 and 3 years. Instead, social support was strongly predictive of third year status. Weak but recurring associations with poor follow-up status were found for binging-purging and distrust of other people (Eating Disorder Inventory).