CLINICAL CORRELATES OF ANOREXIA-NERVOSA SUBTYPES

Objective: Past research has suggested that subtypes of anorexia nervo sa (restricting vs. binge eating/purging) correspond to differing degr ees of impulsivity and personality psychopathology. We further investi gated potential differences between these diagnostic subtypes. Method: We compared restricting anorexics (n = 100) to binge/purging anorexic s (n = 71) with regard to symptom presentation and history, impulsivit y, eating and related attitudes (Eating Disorders Inventory), and pers onality psychopathology. Results: We found that the two diagnostic sub types did not differ in age at intake, body mass index at intake, or a ge at first diet. Binge/purging anorexics were more likely than restri cters to have attempted suicide or engaged in stealing, but the two gr oups did not differ in likelihood of having engaged in self-injury or in reported drug problems. The two anorexia nervosa subtypes did not d iffer in age at onset of menses, likelihood of having engaged in mastu rbation or sexual intercourse, age of onset of sexual activity, or sat isfaction with current levels of sexual activity. Likewise, the two gr oups of anorexia nervosa patients did not differ with regard to scores on the Eating Disorders Inventory or Millon personality measures. Dis cussion: Results are discussed in relation to the results of past rese arch as well as historical fluctuation in the diagnosis of anorexia ne rvosa subtypes. We propose that subtyping may be less useful than cons ideration of eating disorder symptoms along continua. (C) 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.