Predictors of dropout from in-patient treatment of eating disorders: an italian experience

Introduction. The aim of the study was to examine possible risk factors for dropout from in-patient treatment for eating disorders (ED). Materials and methods. The present study consisted in a retrospective analysis of clinical and non-clinical available information about 186 patients suffering from ED consecutively admitted into the Villa Maria Luigia Private Hospital (Parma, Italy) in the a three-year period between (01/01/2006- and 31/12/2009). Socio-demographics, clinical history and current features, and results to the following psychometric instruments were analysed: Eating Disorder Questionnaire (EDQDA), Predisposing, On-set and Maintaining risk factors list for Eating Disorders, Eating Disorders Inventory-II, Body Uneasiness Test and SCL-90. Results. Of the 186 patients, 46 (24.7%) voluntarily left the treatment program prematurely. Predictive factors included poor educational and professional achievements, parents’ divorcing, parents’ history of substance abuse and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. Discussion. Dropout is a multifactorial phenomenon with deep clinical consequences: the recognition of possible risk factors may support the choice of specific therapeutic strategies to improve the treatment of ED and its outcomes.