Intensive treatment response in women with eating disorders: Impact of personality patterns on outcome

The present study investigated the influence of personality pathology on treatment course and recovery from negative body image among eating disordered women. Statistical analyses compared treatment outcome by eating disorder (ED) diagnosis and personality pathology groups; and explored the strength of personality pathology and other concomitant factors for predicting outcome on body image (BI) measures. Most groups showed positive treatment response on each measure examined, with no measurable difference by ED diagnosis or presence of personality pathology. Also, personality pathology was not found to be a significant predictor of scores on measures of BI in response to treatment. Results supported previous research reflecting a substantial comorbidity rate between EDs and personality disorders. These positive treatment outcomes suggested that ED treatment programs for women need not focus specifically on addressing BI symptoms to contribute to improved BI; and the presence of significant personality pathology does not necessarily inhibit recovery.