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The relationship between anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphic disorder
Andrea S Hartmann1, Jennifer L Greenberg, Sabine Wilhelm
1University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany. andrea.hartmann@uni-osnabrueck.de
Clinical Psychology Review
|May 21, 2013
Summary
Anorexia nervosa (AN) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are serious body image disorders with overlapping features. While similar in onset and characteristics, their treatment responses differ, offering insights for new interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa (AN) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are distinct yet overlapping psychiatric conditions.
- Both disorders significantly impair daily functioning and are characterized by severe body image disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare clinical, personality, and demographic similarities between AN and BDD.
- To identify key differences, particularly in treatment responsiveness, between these two body image disorders.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review examining comorbidity, phenomenology, age of onset, illness trajectories, and treatment outcomes.
- Comparative analysis of clinical and personality characteristics reported in existing studies.
Main Results:
- AN and BDD exhibit high comorbidity, similar ages of onset, and comparable illness trajectories.
- Clinical and personality profiles show significant overlap between the two disorders.
- Differential responsiveness to psychosocial and psychopharmacological treatments was observed.
Conclusions:
- AN and BDD share core features but diverge in treatment efficacy, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches.
- Understanding these similarities and differences can inform the development of novel, integrated interventions for both disorders.
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