Assessment of nutritional status and psychopathology in the treatment of eating disorders with different duration of illness

Eating disorders (EDs) can become psychologically and physically severe. Recently, we reported that the physical and psychological characteristics of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) differed depending on the duration of illness. With regard to physical aspects, although there was no significant difference in body mass index (BMI), it was observed that the total protein, albumin, and potassium levels were significantly lower in patients with a longer duration of illness (>5 years) than in those with a shorter duration of illness (5 years). Therefore, it is important to develop a strong therapeutic intervention according to disease duration. In conclusion, appropriate biopsychosocial interventions based on the assessment of physical and psychological aspects according to the duration of EDs are important.