A pilot study exploring Machiavellianism in anorexia nervosa.

Machiavellianism has not previously been systematically explored in the eating disorders. This personality dimension involves the social cognitive processes required to identify others' intentions and the use of strategies to deceive and manipulate others. Individuals suffering with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) often try to conceal their disorder through the use of deceptive strategies. In this study we explore Machiavellianism in 22 female AN patients and 41 female healthy controls (HCs). AN patients and HCs did not differ significantly in their self-reported Machiavellianism, but both groups did score highly in this domain. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.