The relation among perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder in individuals with eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
Perfectionism and obsessionality are core features of eating disorders (ED), yet the nature of their relation remains unknown. Understanding the relation between these traits may enhance our ability to identify relevant behavioral endophenotypes for ED.


METHODS
Six-hundred seven individuals with anorexia and bulimia nervosa from the International Price Foundation Genetic Study were assessed for perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).


RESULTS
No differences were found across ED subtypes in the prevalence of OCPD and OCD, nor with the association between OCD and OCPD. Perfectionism scores were highest in individuals with OCPD whether alone or in combination with OCD.


CONCLUSIONS
Perfectionism appears to be more closely associated with obsessive-compulsive personality symptoms rather than OCD. The pairing of perfectionism with OCPD may be a relevant core behavioral feature underlying vulnerability to ED.
Halmi
Katherine A
KA
New York Presbyterian Hospital-Westchester Division, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, White Plains, New York, USA.
Tozzi
Federica
F
Thornton
Laura M
LM
Crow
Scott
S
Fichter
Manfred M
MM
Kaplan
Allan S
AS
Keel
Pamela
P
Klump
Kelly L
KL
Lilenfeld
Lisa R
LR
Mitchell
James E
JE
Plotnicov
Katherine H
KH
Pollice
Christine
C
Rotondo
Alessandro
A
Strober
Michael
M
Woodside
D Blake
DB
Berrettini
Wade H
WH
Kaye
Walter H
WH
Bulik
Cynthia M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D002032:Bulimia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003193:Compulsive Personality Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010552:Personality Assessment; D010641:Phenotype; D012307:Risk Factors; D013223:Statistics as Topic