Abstract
The aim of this study was to study long-term outcome of physical health and self-injurious behaviour (SIB) in anorexia nervosa
(AN). Fifty-one adolescent-onset AN cases, originally recruited after community screening, and 51 matched controls (COMP)
were interviewed regarding somatic problems and SIB and physically examined 18 years after AN onset, at mean age 32 years.
Six individuals had an eating disorder (ED). No one had died. The AN group weighed less than the COMP group. The frequency
of somatic problems did not differ between groups. Dental enamel lesions and shorter than expected stature occurred only in
the AN group. Dysdiadochokinesis was overrepresented in the AN group and age of AN onset was lower among those with the neurological
deficit. Severe SIB occurred only in the AN group, predominantly during adolescence. To conclude, somatic problems were common
in both groups. Most individuals in the AN group had recovered from their ED, but weight revealed a persistent restricted
eating behaviour.
(AN). Fifty-one adolescent-onset AN cases, originally recruited after community screening, and 51 matched controls (COMP)
were interviewed regarding somatic problems and SIB and physically examined 18 years after AN onset, at mean age 32 years.
Six individuals had an eating disorder (ED). No one had died. The AN group weighed less than the COMP group. The frequency
of somatic problems did not differ between groups. Dental enamel lesions and shorter than expected stature occurred only in
the AN group. Dysdiadochokinesis was overrepresented in the AN group and age of AN onset was lower among those with the neurological
deficit. Severe SIB occurred only in the AN group, predominantly during adolescence. To conclude, somatic problems were common
in both groups. Most individuals in the AN group had recovered from their ED, but weight revealed a persistent restricted
eating behaviour.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-012-0274-9
- Authors
- Elisabet Wentz, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Kungsgatan 12, SE-41119 Göteborg, Sweden
- I. Carina Gillberg, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Kungsgatan 12, SE-41119 Göteborg, Sweden
- Henrik Anckarsäter, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Forensic Psychiatry, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Christopher Gillberg, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Kungsgatan 12, SE-41119 Göteborg, Sweden
- Maria Råstam, Department of Clinical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827