General psychopathology in anorexia nervosa: the role of psychosocial factors.
The aim of the present study was to investigate psychosocial correlates of comorbid psychopathology. Data were collected from a total of 90 female inpatients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Higher levels of general psychopathology were detected in depression, interpersonal sensitivity, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist (SCL)-90. Regression analysis also revealed that higher levels of psychopathology across SCL-90 subscales in AN patients are significantly associated with an earlier age of onset of the condition, higher levels of anorectic psychopathology as measured by Eating Disorders Examination, lower self-esteem as measured by Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory and social support levels as measured by Quality of Social Network and Social Support Questionnaire. Considering the high levels of general psychopathology in people with AN, routine clinical practice should aim for a comprehensive assessment of such. Given the strong association between psychosocial factors such as self-esteem, social support and general psychopathology, psychological therapies could play an important role in facilitating emotional recovery.
Faculty of Health, Life & Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Comely Bank Campus, Scotland, UK. t.karatzias@napier.ac.uk
Thanos
T
Karatzias
Zoë
Z
Chouliara
Kevin
K
Power
Paula
P
Collin
Alex
A
Yellowlees
David
D
Grierson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D011599:Psychopathology; D012649:Self Concept; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult