General psychopathology in anorexia nervosa: the role of psychosocial factors

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate psychosocial correlates of comorbid psychopathology. Data were collected from a total of 90 female inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Higher levels of general psychopathology were detected in depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist (SCL)-90. Regression analysis also revealed that higher levels of psychopathology across SCL-90 subscales in AN patients are significantly associated with an earlier age of onset of the condition, higher levels of anorectic psychopathology as measured by Eating Disorders Examination, lower self-esteem as measured by Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory and social support levels as measured by Quality of Social Network and Social Support Questionnaire. Considering the high levels of general psychopathology in people with AN, routine clinical practice should aim for a comprehensive assessment of such. Given the strong association between psychosocial factors such as self-esteem, social support and general psychopathology, psychological therapies could play an important role in facilitating emotional recovery.

Normal gray and white matter volume after weight restoration in adolescents with anorexia nervosa

“…It is one of the most common chronic illnesses affecting adolescent females, and has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder . In addition, psychopathology such as mood dysregulation, anxiety symptoms, and obsessive–compulsive traits have frequently been reported in anorexic patients …”

“…5 In addition, psychopathology such as mood dysregulation, anxiety symptoms, and obsessive-compulsive traits have frequently been reported in anorexic patients. 6 Chronic starvation results in medical complications that affect every organ system in the body. Particularly important in this regard are those related to cognitive function 7 and abnormalities in brain volume, 8 and it is here that neuroimaging techniques have proved useful for investigating patients with AN.…”

The Thinner the Better: Self‐Esteem and Low Body Weight in Anorexia Nervosa

“…It has been argued that the focus on body weight and shape may be a strategy employed by eating disorder patients to regulate their self-worth and their self-esteem (Slade, 1982;Surgenor, Maguire, Russell, & Touyz, 2007). In studies with eating disorder patients (AN and bulimia nervosa) as well as with student samples, general eating pathology was negatively correlated with self-esteem (Daley et al, 2008;Green et al, 2009;Karatzias et al, 2010). In studies with eating disorder patients (AN and bulimia nervosa) as well as with student samples, general eating pathology was negatively correlated with self-esteem (Daley et al, 2008;Green et al, 2009;Karatzias et al, 2010).…”

“…However, at present, there is a lack of studies assessing how food restriction and weight loss are directly associated with self-esteem in AN. In studies with eating disorder patients (AN and bulimia nervosa) as well as with student samples, general eating pathology was negatively correlated with self-esteem (Daley et al, 2008;Green et al, 2009;Karatzias et al, 2010).…”

Anorexia nervosa: Benefits of recovery-oriented websites

“…For instance, physical health problems include anemia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and osteoporosis (Gaudiani, Sabel, Mascolo, & Mehler, 2012). Psychological problems include poor self-esteem, perfectionism, obsessiveness, anhedonia (Davis & Scott-Robertson, 2000), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (Karatzias, 2010). Recovery from AN can be difficult and time consuming, with residual symptoms occurring frequently.…”