[Pathways to Care and Duration of Untreated Illness of Inpatients with Anorexia and Bulimia nervosa].

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate pathways to care and duration of untreated illness of inpatients with eating disorders.

METHODS

206 patients were assessed using a self-developed questionnaire.

RESULTS

On average, the delay between the onset of the eating disorder and treatment initiation was up to five years. The diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, a higher age and lack of problem perception predicted a higher duration of untreated illness.

CONCLUSION

Duration of untreated illness should be reduced by adequate interventions in order to prevent chronification.