Gender identity and eating disorders

Background possible role of the feminine gender role in the genesis of eati ng disorders is possible, since most patients with these disorders are wome n. Aim: To compare some trails of gender identity between females with eati ng disorders and a control group, Material and methods: An structured Clini cal interview based on the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for eating (disorders and the Bem Sex Role inventory), (BSRI) were administered to 63 Patients t hat fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia nervosa ur bulimia nervosa ( ED group) and 63 comparison subjects (C group). Results: Forty three percen t of patients in contrast with 23.8% of controls were class fled within the feminine category, Likewise 19% of patients and 31.7% of controls were qua lified as Androgynous; 27% of patients and 43% of controls were qualified a s Undifferentiated. There were significant (differences between patients an d controls in 22 items of the BSRI (p < 0.01), Both groups rejected and wer e identified with some feminine, masculine and neutral qualities, Discussio n: Femininity emerged as the main trait of gender identity), in patients Su ffering of eating In contrast, Androgyny showed by the control group could result in a better adaptability and flexibility to face difficult life circ umstances.