Study of the clinical profiles of patients with eating disorders in specific units

Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical profiles of patients diagnosed of a specific Eating Behavior Disorder (EBD) who come to a specialized outpatient unit for patients over 18 years old with this disorder.

Method. This is an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study in which 101 medical records of patients with an eating disorder diagnosis have been analyzed retrospectively.

Results. The clinical profiles observed showed 93.9% women, medium age 29.9%, in which 33% of the patients had an illness course of 2 to 5 years. Purgative forms were more frequently observed. A total of 19.8% had substance abuse disorders and 54.4% anxiety disorders.

Conclusions. Specific units for Eating Disorders should be included in the combined resources that not only allow for treatment of the eating behavior disorders but also for their psychopathological comorbidities, the prognosis and evolution of the disease depending on the latter.