EDs have a severe impact on many domains of QOL. Therefore QOL needs to be addressed in effectiveness research and clinical practice.

The patient's perspective on treatment of EDs does provide recommendations for the improvement of treatment of EDs that will facilitate clinical decision making and treatment planning.

No consensus exists on criteria for recovery from eating disorders. Different criteria are used in effect and outcome studies, suggesting different rates of recovery. The questions for research were: Which criteria for recovery are important to ex-patients and therapists, and which criteria for recovery are actually realized by ex-patients? A list of 52 possible criteria for recovery was compiled from the literature on eating disorders, representing the domains of eating behavior, body experience, physical and psychological well-being, and emotional and social functioning. Ex-patients (n = 41) and therapists (n = 57) were asked to select criteria from this list, that they viewed as important for recovery from eating disorders. Ex-patients were asked which criteria they had realized by the end of their most recent therapy or treatment and in the period thereafter. Ex-patients and therapists agreed on most of the criteria for recovery. At the end of their therapy, more than 50% of the ex-patients had realized 44 of the criteria for recovery but thereafter they improved on 38 criteria. To realize full recovery and to prevent relapse, it is important to consider not only eating behavior and weight, but also psychological, emotional, and social criteria.

Having a relative with an eating disorder (ED) affects the life of family caregivers and may thus affect their quality of life. To study this aspect, 40 caregivers of ED patients filled out a health-related quality of life questionnaire (Short Form-36) and a questionnaire on the impact of the ED on various areas of life domains, and on the relationship with the ED patient and the need for professional support. Quality of life of caregivers was worse than in a normal reference group. Specifically, mental health, vitality and emotional role functioning were reported to be most impaired. ED appeared to affect families' lives substantially. In response to the ED, caregivers felt anxious, powerless, sad, or desperate. The relationship of the caregiver with the ED patient had also changed. Caregivers were more worried, lost their trust, and reported more conflicts. Seventy five percent welcomed professional support. Caregivers need practical advice, information on ED, and emotional support. Quality of life of caregivers should be addressed in the treatment of ED.

Objective: This study investigated the personal views of eating disorder (ED) patients on their quality of life (QOL). Method:The views of 146 current ED patients and 146 former ED patients on their QOL were studied using a self-report questionnaire. Patients were requested to name the most important aspects of their life and they subsequently rated themselves on these aspects. Qualitative analysis clustered items into meaningful categories.Results: A sense of belonging was mentioned most often (93.0%) by the participants. Work or education, health and wellbeing were also mentioned frequently. Furthermore, participants stated a sense of self, disease-specific psychopathology, life skills, leisure activities, a sense of purpose, financial situation, living condition, and pets. Current ED patients more frequently mentioned disease-specific psychopathology than former ED patients. Current ED patients reported poor QOL on most domains, particularly on self-image and wellbeing. Former ED patients reported better QOL than current ED patients, but ratings were just above average. Conclusion:The views on QOL of ED patients broadens the scope of relevant domains of QOL. The assessment of these views may be a useful adjunct to the use of standardized QOL measures. V V C 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.