Abstract
Eating disorder is regarded as a syndrome or spectrum disease, and so it is difficult to evaluate the long-term prognosis because of its different psychopathologic levels. We studied 20 chronic eating disorder patients (more than 10 years duration from the onset) with regard to weight, eating behavior, menstruation, psychological functioning, psychosocial functioning and clinical course. 16 patients (80%) shifted from anorexia to bulimia with vomiting in their eating behaviors, and their bulimia with vomiting continued. Body weight was still persistently below 85% of the average in 65% of the subjects. Menstrual dysfunction (persistent amenorrea, sporadic, irregular) was reported in 16 patients (80%). The most common psychological symptoms were depressive, obsessive-compulsive tendencies at follow-up. The common personality traits were obsessive-compulsive, avoidant, and borderline features. In particular, patients who were associated with bulimia and vomiting, often act out and abuse. They were diagnosed as borderline personality disorder. Most patients remained poorly adjusted socially. Their relationships with families and with other people were quite impaired.
