Anorexia Nervosa: Outcome and Prognostic Factors After 20 Years

41 patients with anorexia nervosa, admitted to Maudsley Hospital between 1959-1966, were followed up after a mean of 20 years. 7 patients had died – 3 of these deaths were suicides. There was a general consistency between the follow-up at 20 years & one done five years after admission. A poorer outcome was associated with a later age of onset, a history of neurotic & personality disturbances, disturbed family relationships, & a longer duration of illness. (26 refs.)