Outcome in anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A review of the literature.

Forty follow-up studies of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are reviewed. Data on recovery, relapse, and crossover are presented in addition to data on mortality, weight, eating behavior, menses, psychological functioning, and psychosexual functioning. Predictors of these outcomes are discussed. Guidelines for future research are suggested to decrease the variability that is created by differences in research methodologies and study designs.