Eating disorders in males: A comparison with female patients

It is controversial whether males and females with eating disorders differ in a relevant way. We present a comparison of SO male and SO female Patient s assessed at The Maudsley Hospital in 2.5 years. Of the male group 33 per cent were anorexic, 50 per cent were bulimic, and 17 per cent met criteria for an eating disorder not otherwise specified. The female sample was match ed to the males by diagnosis. Male and female patients are essentially simi lar, in particular there are no differences in severity of eating disorder. However, homosexuality appears to be more frequent among males. Moreover, males with an eating disorder show a stronger psychiatric co-morbidity and a higher rate of suicide attempts. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Lt d and Eating Disorders Association.