Health of the Nation Outcome Scales scores and C-reactive protein levels in in-patients with anorexia nervosa.

AIMS AND METHOD: The Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) are the most widely used psychiatric clinical outcomes tool in the UK. Nonetheless, HoNOS scores and their change during treatment for people with anorexia nervosa have not been investigated. We retrieved clinical data from the Clinical Records Interactive Search register from 234 with an anorexia nervosa or an eating disorder diagnosis, a body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 and with available HoNOS, BMI and C-reactive protein (CRP) data at admission.

RESULTS

From admission to discharge, patients showed a significant moderate improvement in HoNOS total score (mean±s.d.) from 14.30±6.23 to 10.11±4.81, and a significant moderate-to-large increase in BMI from 14.15±1.45 kg/m2 to 16.22±2.56 kg/m2. CRP levels >2 mg/L on admission were significantly associated with age, a personality disorder diagnosis, agitation and hallucinations in the HoNOS.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In-patient treatment for anorexia nervosa improves health and social functioning.