A 20-month follow-up study of 628 women with eating disorders: II. Course of associated symptoms and related clinical features

Abstract

In response to a magazine article, 628 women with eating disorders completed questionnaires in 1982 and in 1984, an average of 20 months later. The majority of these respondents met simulated DSM-III criteria for normal-weight bulimia (NWB) or fell into a somewhat healthier group that we called subdiagnostic eating disorders (SDED). Five percent met simulated criteria for anorexia nervosa with bulimic features (BAN). Although at follow-up there was some improvement in eating disorders criterion symptoms and slight improvement in associated symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, depression, and self-destructive behaviors, the burden of these symptoms remained considerable. Furthermore, at follow-up the BAN group reported an increased use of alcohol and the NWB group an increased use of cigarettes.