Abstract
Background Relevance of diminished mental capacity in anorexia nervosa (AN) to course of disorder is unknown. Aims To examine prognostic relevance of diminished mental capacity in AN. Method A longitudinal study was conducted in 70 adult female patients with severe AN. At baseline, mental capacity was assessed by psychiatrists, and clinical and neuropsychological data (decision-making) were collected. After 1 and 2 years, clinical and neuropsychological assessments were repeated, and remission and admission rates were calculated. Results People with AN with diminished mental capacity had a less favourable outcome with regard to remission and were admitted more frequently. Their appreciation of illness remained hampered. Decision-making did not improve, in contrast to people with full mental capacity. Conclusions People with AN with diminished mental capacity seem to do less well in treatment and display decision-making deficiencies that do not ameliorate with weight improvement.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 147-153 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | BJPsych Open |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health