Outcome variables for anorexic males and females one year after discharge from residential treatment.

The overall goal of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a residential program for eating disorders that uses a multidimensional approach to treatment. Patients were males and females admitted with a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa using DSM-IV criteria. A phone survey was developed by our staff and applied to patients 15-months post discharge. Responses were analyzed using paired t-test and multiple regression analysis. From discharge to follow-up, the females experienced an average weight gain of almost 7 lbs (P = 0.03) and the males experienced an average weight gain of 19 lbs (P = 0.025). Multiple regression analysis showed that a higher weight at contact date was associated with a higher weight at discharge, less fasting and the male gender. This kind of study helps us evaluate treatment outcome and identify key variables that predict changes in anorexics' body weight over time.