Comparative Single Case Studies on the Course of Disorder of AdolescentWomen with Anorexia NervosaWithin Stationary Youth-Welfare Services

Abstract

The present study aims to examine effect factors that determine the development of symptomatology in the course of a stationary youth-welfare measure of clients with anorexia nervosa. Therefore, four clients were examined, who showed two different patterns in the development of weight gain - two clients showed a relatively fast initial weight gain and improvement whereas two clients, despite being in treatment for more than twelve month, showed less increase of weight gain. Over the course of one year, quantitative and qualitative data have been collected, and interviews were held with the clients, as well as the pedagogical staff.The analysis of the data using a mixed-methods-design suggests that despite similarities regarding comorbidity and pathology, individualized treatment approaches with a high accuracy of fit must be implemented, to be able to meet the demands of the clients and help them make long-lasting progress. Further, the observed clients showed severe deficits regarding their self-worth/self-efficacy, which should be taken into consideration within concepts of treatment.