Psychopathological and Clinical Features of Remitted Anorexia Nervosa Patients: A Six‐year Follow‐up Study

Abstract

Remission from anorexia nervosa (AN) is a controversial issue, as remitted individuals have been found to show residual anorectic attitudes and concerns about weight and shape. The aims of this study were to evaluate the psychopathological features of remitted AN subjects 6 years after the end of a cognitive behavioural therapy and the predictors of reduction in psychopathology. The sample was composed of 134 AN subjects, evaluated at baseline, at the end of treatment, 3 and 6 years after the end of treatment, by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition and several self-reported questionnaires. Remitted patients at 6 years of follow-up still showed higher eating and shape concerns, compared with healthy controls. Duration of illness, obsessive-compulsive and depressive symptoms were moderators of change in psychopathology across time. Psychopathological features represent an enduring trait for AN patients. General psychopathology showed different effects on symptoms reduction across time.