MCMI characteristics of DSM-III-R bulimics.

The literature on bulimia has suggested that bulimic women exhibit a number of pathological personality characteristics. However, the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), an objective measure of personality functioning, has not previously been utilized to assess the personality characteristics of a bulimic population. The MCMI was administered to 37 female bulimics, 32 female general psychiatric outpatients, and 30 normal female controls in order to assess the relationship between bulimia and pathological personality traits. Bulimic women were found to score higher than the other groups on MCMI Scales 1 (Schizoid), 2 (Avoidant), and 3 (Dependent). They also scored lower than the other two groups on Scale 6 (Antisocial). Results are discussed within the framework of parallels between the MCMI profiles of bulimics and the existing literature on bulimics' personality characteristics.