Psychologic and behavioral correlates of anorexia nervosa.

Female patients with anorexia nervosa (N = 34) were compared with two control groups of nonorganically ill, nonpsychotic female psychiatric patients. One control group was matched on several demographic variables; the other group was unmatched. Profiles on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory indicated less psychologic disturbance among the anorectic patients than in the matched control sample, but more feelings of turmoil or distress than were reported in studies of adolescent medical patients and high school seniors. Anorectic patients were described by ward personnel as less physically capable and more timid than controls; they also displayed less heterosexual interest, interacted less often with both peers and staff, were viewed as being unhappier, and were described as expressing anger in relatively passive ways.