The association of anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive personality disorder with anorexia nervosa: evidence from a family study with discussion of nosological and neurodevelopmental implications.

Background: To investigate the association of anorexia nervosa with anxiety disorders through use of a case-control family study design.

Method: Lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive personality disorder was determined among 574 first-degree relatives of 152 probands with anorexia nervosa and compared to rates observed among 647 first-degree relatives of 181 never-ill control probands.

Results: Adjusting for comorbidity of the same illness in the proband, relatives of probands with anorexia nervosa, had a significantly higher prevalence of generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and obsessive compulsive personality disorder compared to relatives of never-ill control probands.

Are there gender differences in core symptoms, temperament, and short-term prospective outcome in anorexia nervosa?

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare symptoms, premorbid personality phenotypes, and short-term outcome between males and females with anorexia nervosa.

Method: Symptom and personality ratings were obtained at the time of hospital admission, and outcome was assessed at discharge and again 1 year later.

Results: Gender effects were negligible at admission, with the exception of greater weight concern among females.