ormation from the questionnaires given in 1972 and 1973, the researchers examined seven potential predictors of anorexia among women: BMI, stomach problems, excessive exercise, perceived stress, an extroverted personality and neuroticism, characterized by low self-esteem, emotional instability and feelings of depression, anxiety and guilt. Of these, only neuroticism was identified as a risk factor for subsequent anorexia.

"In conclusion, the prevalence of AN increased in both sexes between 1934 and 1958, while consistently afflicting females disproportionately," the authors write. "Individuals with a history of AN appear to be protected from the development of overweight later in life. Anorexia is a moderately heritable psychiatric disorder that may be predicted by the presence of early neuroticism."

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Contact: Stephanie Crayton
919-966-2860
JAMA and Archives Journals
6-Mar-2006

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