Eating disorder symptoms and relational functioning in mother with eating disorders: course and outcome of sequential treatment

Abstract

Eating disorders are considered long-lasting and severe illnesses for both the patient itself and the people around. Studies concerning the course of sequential treatment for mothers with eating disorders appear to be lacking. This study is the first of its kind to examine the course of eating disorder symptoms and relational functioning in mothers receiving sequential treatment for their eating disorders. Most studies concerning mothers with eating disorders tend to focus on the wellbeing of the child, and the measuring time points are few. This study assesses the eating disorder symptoms and interpersonal problems at three different measuring points: admission to Modum Bad, discharge, and one year follow up. Results showed that eating disorder symptoms significantly reduced from admission to discharge, and remained stable from discharge to one year follow-up. Inventory of Interpersonal Problems, which was used as a measure for relational functioning had a slow, but steady decrease in scores.