Anorexic syndromes in the male

Abstract

Forty-two male patients with an anorexic syndrome were assessed personally (n = 29) or by reviewing the case-notes. Twenty-nine male patients were classified as primary anorexia nervosa and they were compared to our series of atypical male patients and a series of 23 female anorexia nervosa patients. There was no difference between male and female patients in the age at onset. Male and female anorexia nervosa cases were very similar in their personality profile and symptomatology; however, male cases were more preoccupied in their thoughts with food, weight etc., and showed more hyperactivity, more achievement orientation and more sexual anxiety than female cases. The mothers' age at the male patients' birth was significantly younger than in the female group. Male anorexia nervosa patients were more extraverted and scored "superfeminine" on the masculinity vs feminity scale (FPI). A continuum from "true" anorexia nervosa to atypical cases and to secondary loss of appetite was observed.