Abstract
To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, we presented 2 cases which came to a good outcome, against the early prospect. Then we picked up several symptoms of inpatients of eating disorders, and examined the relationship between these symptoms and outcome. 1. We presented a patient with anorexia nervosa (dysorexia type) who came to our hospital eight years after the onset. Her minimum body weight was 22 kg. Her impulse control was poor. We performed a psychotherapy in which we believed in her ability to recover and supported her mother, and we got a good result. 2. We presented a bulimia patient who had a tendency of obsessive compulsive personality, and who had much concern with her body shape. We performed structured psychotherapy. She has improved in her eating behavior, cognition, and social adjustment. 3. We examined the relationship between symptoms and outcome of 62 inpatients. There were significant differences in the controlling tendency, isolation, relationship with their mothers, and motivation for therapy. Above all, the authors conclude that it is not appropriate to predict a poor outcome easily even if the patient has some symptoms which were reported as predictors of poor outcome. If there are some factors which can promote therapy (especially factors related to therapeutic relationship). a good outcome can be expected through appropriate therapeutic intervention.
