Drop outs from in‐patient treatment of anorexia nervosa

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Abstract
Objective: Aim of the study was to identify patient characteristics that distinguish drop outs and completers from in‐patient treatment for anorexia nervosa. Method: A total of 133 consecutively admitted in‐patients with anorexia nervosa (age range 16–50 years; 92.5% women) were analysed using sociodemographic variables as well as measures of psychopathology (SCL‐90‐R, EDI‐2) and interpersonal difficulties (IIP‐C). Patients were treated in a multimodal treatment setting, combining cognitive‐behavioural and psychodynamic components. Results: Patients, who reported fewer symptoms, were hospitalized before and had a comorbid depression stayed more often in psychotherapy. Patients dropping out of treatment (31.6%) showed a trend to higher levels of maturity fears. Subtype, age, duration of illness, comorbid personality disorders or previous drop outs were not predictive of dropping out. Conclusion: Addressing the high ambivalence and maturity fears of anorexic patients should be an essential issue in psychotherapy with this patient group.