Anorexia Nervosa: Demographic and Clinical Features in 94 Cases

Abstract

A comprehensive chart study was made of numerous clinical and demographic features in 94 patients with anorexia nervosa. Unlike other large series, this survey included the pediatric age group. A significantly greater maternal and paternal age at time of the patient's birth and a greater incidence of both low and high birth weights compared with the general population was found. A relatively high occurrence of premorbid feeding problems was present. Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive traits were frequent premorbid symptoms. Precipitating events were identified more frequently in patients with a greater age at onset of illness. Characteristic behavior noted during the course of this illness is described.