Long Term Remission of Anorexia Nervosa: Factors Involved in the Outcome of Female Patients

BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is usually marked by difficult recovery. OBJECTIVE To elicit, describe and characterize factors involved in successful AN remission for at least five years and post-recovery life. METHODS A qualitative study design using semi-structured interviews according to grounded theory methodology was used. An intentional sample of 15 information rich AN patients was selected using two sampling procedures: the criterion and "snowball" techniques. Qualitative interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and entered into a content analysis. Researchers coded transcripts and developed themes. RESULTS Four core parameters were found to be associated with remission: (i) 'motivation to change/stimuli'; (ii) 'empowerment/autonomy'; (iii) 'media related factors'; (iv) 'treatment factors'. Clinical remission can be associated with residual symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The recovery model involves not only one, but rather a set of inter-active variables, each one can partially explain remission. Media factors can take a new role on recovery. Remission, however, can be followed by remnants of the disease and functional limitations.