Personality factors in anorexia nervosa.

Evidence concerning the role of personality factors in the etiopathogenesis of anorexia nervosa is reviewed. Although data are sparse and limited by a variety of methodologic problems, certain traits, such as poor self-esteem, compliancy and perfectionism, and impaired autonomy have been described with impressive consistency, suggesting they are part of a continuum of causative factors giving rise to anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, other personality characteristics appear to modify the clinical expression, course, and prognosis of this condition.