Relapse Prevention in Anorexia Nervosa

Many patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) who undergo therapy benefit from acute treatment, achieve weight gain, and improve their eating disorder symptoms. However, AN is characterized by a high risk of relapse. Up to about half of treated patients experience a relapse, often within the first year after therapy ends. Treatment and care concepts specifically aimed at preventing relapses can improve the course of AN. These include guided self-help, psychotherapy, and therapeutic residential groups.