The Course of Eating Disorders

Provides a detailed overview of the knowledge available regarding the long-term outcome of anorexia and bulimia nervosa, examining medical as well as psychosocial and psychiatric aspects of eating disorders.

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More and more clinicians and researchers have come to realize that anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are often difficult to treat and that the short-term outcome can be very misleading. In many cases these eating disorders persist over the course of many years and may have serious consequences for the patient's health later in life. This book gives a detailed overview of the knowledge available regarding the long-term outcome of anorexia and bulimia in these individuals, many of whom have been treated in highly specialized centres. International experts describe their most recent research on the subject. The studies include medical as well as psychosocial and psychiatric aspects of eating disorders. Clinicians experienced in the treatment of these patients discuss the important practical imlications of research findings, information which is very helpful in both the treatment and prevention of eating disorders. Finally, guidelines for conducting follow-up studies are offered.