Percentage from target weight (PFTW) predicts re-hospitalization in adolescent anorexia nervosa

Background: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether the percentage of the discharge weight relative to recommended target weight (PFTW) during inpatient treatment predicts re-hospitalization in adolescent anorexia nervosa (AN). Method: 51 hospitalized adolescents with AN were weighed and completed self-reports on admission and discharge. We examined reports regarding re-hospitalization within the first year after discharge. Results: 19 patients (37.25%) required re-hospitalization. The proportion of the actual discharge weight relative to target weight (PFTW), previous re-hospitalizations and parental marital status were found to be significant predictors of re-hospitalization. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of discharge weight relative to target weight (PFTW) for long-term outcome. Failure to obtain discharge target weight is a significant predictor of re-hospitalization in adolescent AN.