Data on the management of eating disorders on the level of outpatient treatment in Italy in the Abruzzo Region

PURPOSE: To monitor improvements and follow-up of patients with EDs (Eating Disorders), and BED (Binge Eating Disorder) in the Regional Reference Center for the Physiopathology of Nutrition of Teramo, Italy. METHODS: All the access for EDs (diagnosed according to DSM-IV) were recorded at first visit and follow up. The diagnoses and characteristics of patients from the Teramo area, who enjoy easier access to the service were compared to those of patients from other local health authorities. The degree of improvement in BMI between the first and last appointment of patients with AN (anorexia nervosa), and the average time of treatment, were noted. Microsoft Excel was used for data storing and processing. Statistical analysis was performed by the X-Lstat software. RESULTS: Of the 169 patients registered, 90.5% were female. The average age of patients followed by the Centre for eating disorders was 29.3 (60.9% of the cases were in the youth age bracket). In local patients, the AN is corrected with greater success and in less time compared to cases of AN in active mobility. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that an integrated multidisciplinary outpatient service provides continuity of care and more support to patients coming from the province. The data demonstrate that the ability of the outpatient structure to intercept early cases and offer effective therapeutic itineraries is directly related to its accessibility. These data provide valuable references for a more rational and thoughtful use of available resources and to begin the development of a registry of EDs in Abruzzo’s region in center of Italy.