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. 2012 Dec;17(4):e290-7.
doi: 10.1007/BF03325140.

Predictors of dropout from in-patient treatment of eating disorders: an Italian experience

L Pingani  1 , S Catellani, F Arnone, E De Bernardis, V Vinci, G Ziosi, G Turrini, M Rigatelli, S Ferrari
Affiliations

Predictors of dropout from in-patient treatment of eating disorders: an Italian experience

L Pingani et al. Eat Weight Disord. 2012 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine possible risk factors for dropout from in-patient treatment for eating disorders (ED).

Materials and methods: The present study consisted of a retrospective analysis of clinical and non-clinical available information about 186 patients suffering from ED consecutively admitted into the Villa Maria Luigia Private Hospital (Parma, Italy) in a three-year period (01/01/2006 - 31/12/2009). Sociodemographics, clinical history and current features, and results to the following psychometric instruments were analysed: Eating Disorder Questionnaire (EDQ), Predisposing, On-set and Maintaining risk factors list for Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders Inventory-II, Body Uneasiness Test and SCL-90.

Results: Of the 186 patients, 46 (24.7%) voluntarily left the treatment program prematurely. Predictive factors included poor educational and professional achievements, parents' divorcing, parents' history of substance abuse and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.

Discussion: Dropout is a multifactorial phenomenon with deep clinical consequences: the recognition of possible risk factors may support the choice of specific therapeutic strategies to improve the treatment of ED and its outcomes.

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