Termination of inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Following some general theoretical considerations, the paper empirically addresses the question of termination of inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa. It identifies those factors which have been the causes of unsuccessful treatment (including fatal outcome) and which must therefore be taken into account, especially when terminating therapy. It is not the improvement of weight and somatic symptoms which turns out to be an adequate criterion for discharge, but rather the capability for generating new social relationships. The wish to go back to live with one's parents (when they did not participate in the therapy) or to live alone must not be accepted, following inpatient treatment.