Anorexia nervosa in males. A comparison with female patients.

The demographic features, clinical picture, antecedent events and family background in 13 male patients with anorexia nervosa are compared with those in a control group of 39 adolescent female anorectics; the general picture of the illness in males is similar to that in females. Focusing on a group of males, usually less vulnerable to anorexia nervosa, can highlight possible predisposing factors.