Perfectionism in anorexia nervosa
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TL;DR
Two new multidimensional instruments that were designed to measure multiple aspects of perfectionism confirm that underweight, malnourished patients with anorexia nervosa are perfectionistic and may be of value in assessing response to treatment.
Abstract
Although it is well accepted that most patients with anorexia nervosa are perfectionistic, little work has been done in characterizing this behavior. Anorexics were assessed by two new multidimensional instruments that were designed to measure multiple aspects of perfectionism. Both scales confirm that underweight, malnourished patients with anorexia nervosa are perfectionistic. Importantly, elevated perfectionism scores, persisted after weight restoration. Anorexics experienced their perfectionism as self-imposed, and not as a response to other's expectations. Perfectionism is a dimension of the rigid, obsessive behaviors that may contribute to resistance to treatment and relapse in anorexia nervosa. Thus, these scales may be of value in assessing response to treatment.