Clinical correlates of anorexia nervosa subtypes

Past research has suggested that subtypes of anorexia nervosa (restricting vs. binge eating/purging) correspond to differing degrees of impulsivity and personality psychopathology. We further investigated potential differences between these diagnostic subtypes.

We compared restricting anorexics (n = 100) to binge/purging anorexics (n = 71) with regard to symptom presentation and history, impulsivity, eating and related attitudes (Eating Disorders Inventory), and personality psychopathology.

We found that the two diagnostic subtypes did not differ in age at intake, body mass index at intake, or age at first diet. Binge/purging anorexics were more likely than restricters to have attempted suicide or engaged in stealing, but the two groups did not differ in likelihood of having engaged in self-injury or in reported drug problems. The two anorexia nervosa subtypes did not differ in age at onset of menses, likelihood of having engaged in masturbation or sexual intercourse, age of onset of sexual activity, or satisfaction with current levels of sexual activity. Likewise, the two groups of anorexia nervosa patients did not differ with regard to scores on the Eating Disorders Inventory or Millon personality measures.

Results are discussed in relation to the results of past research as well as historical fluctuation in the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa subtypes. We propose that subtyping may be less useful than consideration of eating disorder symptoms along continua.