Dimensional assessment of personality pathology in patients with eating disorders.
This study examined patients with eating disorders on personality pathology using a dimensional method. Female subjects who met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for eating disorder (n = 136) were evaluated and compared to an age-controlled general population sample (n = 68). We assessed 18 features of personality disorder with the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology - Basic Questionnaire (DAPP-BQ). Factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to derive three clusters of patients. A five-factor solution was obtained with limited intercorrelation between factors. Cluster analysis produced three clusters with the following characteristics: Cluster 1 members (constituting 49.3% of the sample and labelled 'rigid') had higher mean scores on factors denoting compulsivity and interpersonal difficulties; Cluster 2 (18.4% of the sample) showed highest scores in factors denoting psychopathy, neuroticism and impulsive features, and appeared to constitute a borderline psychopathology group; Cluster 3 (32.4% of the sample) was characterized by few differences in personality pathology in comparison to the normal population sample. Cluster membership was associated with DSM-IV diagnosis -- a large proportion of patients with anorexia nervosa were members of Cluster 1. An empirical classification of eating-disordered patients derived from dimensional assessment of personality pathology identified three groups with clinical relevance.
Goldner
E M
EM
Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. goldnee@unixg.ubc.ca
Srikameswaran
S
S
Schroeder
M L
ML
Livesley
W J
WJ
Birmingham
C L
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales