Quality of life in patients with eating disorders: Results of a pilot study

Objective: To assess the eating behaviour, quality of life and changes in life style in 46 female patients with eating disorders, discharged from our psychosomatic unit at least six month ago. Methods: Patients meeting the criteria for DSM-IV anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa completed the,,Lancashire Quality of Life Profile" [16] and a questionnaire covering demographic aspects, eating behaviour and changes in life style. Results: Positive changes in eating behaviour correlated with higher quality of life scores in many of the domains assessed, including leisure, financial situation and perceived mental health. These changes also correlated with positive changes in life style in several domains, in particular family situation and leisure activities. Conclusions: Results show that various connections between eating behaviour and quality of life as well as life style exist, suggesting a treatment concept that emphasizes both clinical symptoms and psyche-social conflicts.