Self-image in anorexia nervosa 7.5 years after initial presentation to a specialized eating disorders service

Objective: The present study examined self-image in a group of sufferers of anorexia nervosa some years after initial presentation. Method: A cohort of anorectic patients was followed up 7.5 years after presentation at a specialist locally based eating disorders service for adults. All subjects were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview, which included completion of a repertory grid (SELFGRID) and a series of questionnaires. Results: The group as a whole showed continuing low self-esteem. Measures of low self-esteem were strongly related to measures of overall well-being and particularly highly correlated with the 'ineffectiveness' scale of the Eating Disorders Inventory. Discussion: It is argued that the results highlight the chronic nature of low self-esteem in anorexia nervosa and that greater emphasis should be placed on therapeutic initiatives to tackle this problem. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.