A national sample of 628 women with eating disorders completed
questionnaires in 1982 and again in 1984. According to initial simulated
DSM-III diagnoses, 34 had anorexia nervosa with bulimic features, 392 had
normal-weight bulimia, and 202 had a subdiagnostic eating disorder. Most
respondents in the latter two groups met some criteria for alternative
eating disorders. At follow-up, 29% of the anorexia nervosa group and 43%
of the normal-weight bulimia group had improved enough to be classified as
having a subdiagnostic disorder. Respondents who sought professional help
between the initial survey and follow-up reported no more improvement than
those who did not seek help.Abstract Teaser