Psychopathological Features of Anorectic Patients Who Dropped Out of Inpatient Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Nozaki Takehiro, Motoyama Satoko, Arimura Tatsuyuki, Morita Chihiro, Koreeda-Arimura Chikako, Kawai Keisuke, Takii Masato, Kubo Chiharu
Primary Institution: Kyushu University
Hypothesis
What personality factors predict which anorectic patients might drop out of inpatient treatment?
Conclusion
Patients who dropped out of treatment exhibited social and emotional alienation, lack of ego mastery, emotional instability, and an antisocial attitude, making it difficult for them to adapt to treatment protocols.
Supporting Evidence
- The dropout rate was 32%, similar to previous studies.
- No significant differences were found in age, duration of illness, or BMI between completers and dropouts.
- Dropouts had higher scores on several MMPI scales indicating greater psychopathological features.
Takeaway
Some patients with anorexia nervosa have trouble sticking to their treatment because of their feelings and behaviors, which can lead them to leave the hospital early.
Methodology
The study used the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to assess 75 anorectic inpatients and compared those who completed treatment with those who dropped out.
Potential Biases
The study relied on self-reported data and medical records, which may introduce bias in assessing motivation and dropout reasons.
Limitations
The study did not evaluate all possible personality traits and was conducted in a general ward, which may not be comparable to specialized eating disorder units.
Participant Demographics
75 consecutive women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or an eating disorder not otherwise specified.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%CI= -20.13~-0.87
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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