Anorexia nervosa subtypes and the big five personality factors

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between the Big Five personality factors and anorexia nervosa and its subtypes. Method: 71 patients with anorexia nervosa, restricting subtype (AN-R) and 29 patients with anorexia nervosa, binge-eating/ purging subtype (AN-BP) filled in the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. The results of the two AN groups were compared with each other, and with those of an historical control group (N = 1390). Results: Compared to AN-BP, AN-R had significantly higher scores on the factors Conscientiousness and Agreeableness. While levels of Neuroticism were similar in AN-R and AN-BP, both had significantly higher scores on Neuroticism compared to the normal controls. Discussion: The present results confirm that AN-R and AN-BP can be meaningfully distinguished, not only on basis of eating disorder symptoms, but also on basic personality variables. The high levels of general psychological distress and emotional instability in both subtypes of AN compared to normal controls, strongly suggest that the focus of treatment of AN should not be limited to disordered eating behaviours and cognitions. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.