While the clinical syndrome of anorexia nervosa is currently receiving a great deal of scientific and clinical interest, few research findings predict successful outcomes. The most effective approach to date gleans intervention strategies from the behavioral model. This approach does not negate individual, family, and group approaches but gives direction for the maintenance of the individual in a therapeutic milieu. The work of the Task Force of the National Group for Classification of Nursing Diagnoses gives guidance for the development of adequate assessment tools and standardized care plans. Ultimately, outcome criteria should be available for prediction and testing.