The Effects of Comorbid Disordered Eating Behaviours on Outcomes at Follow-up from Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment: a Latent Class Approach

Comorbid eating disorders' (EDs) rates among individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) are higher than the general population and present challenges for recovery. This study aims to examine recovery outcomes and psychological distress of individuals at 3 months post-discharge from residential SUD treatment. In a sample of 615 individuals in residential treatment for SUD, latent class analysis was conducted based on gender and disordered eating symptoms at baseline. Using general linear regression, controlling for recovery indicator at baseline, differences between the three identified classes in recovery indicators at 3 months post-discharge were examined. Class 1 (63.4%) was primarily male, with few ED symptoms; class 2 (24.7%) reported weight concerns and was mainly female; class 3 (11.9%) reported high rates of ED symptoms and mixed gender. Class 3 had significantly higher psychological distress than other classes. Findings suggest few differences in recovery outcomes by ED symptoms and gender, following discharge; however, mental health differences remain.