The self-image of adolescents with acute anorexia nervosa

Abstract

The Offer Self-Image Questionnaire for Adolescents was administered to 30 female adolescents with a diagnosis of acute anorexia nervosa. Patients were divided ianto an early group (12 to 15 years; N = 15) and a late group (16 to 19 years; N = 15). The mean percent weight loss calculated as deviation from norm weight for age and height was 32%, and the mean duration of illness was 1.3 years, similar for both groups, whereas age of onset of anorexia was significantly (P less than 0.001) different. All patients differed significantly from normal adolescents by displaying disturbances in mood and self-esteem (P less than 0.05), in social relationships (P less than 0.05), and in attitude toward sex (P less than 0.05); late adolescent patients additionally showed maladjustment in impulse control (P less than 0.05), self-perception and body image (P less than 0.01), and in general psychopathology (P less than 0.05). Patients were found well adjusted with regard to moral values, family relationships, and educational goals. The lesser adjustment problems in the younger group agree well with reports finding a more favorable prognosis for patients with an early onset of anorexia nervosa.