The self-image of adolescent patients with eating disorders

Forty German adolescent anorectic patients were assessed with regard to self-image components as measured by the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire (OSIQ). The profile of this group deviated negatively from the German standardization group of healthy subjects on measures of impulse control, emotional tone, body image, social relationships, sexual attitudes, and psychopathology. In addition, the OSIQ profile of this German sample was remarkably similar to the profiles of samples reported in two American studies. Finally, it was found that inpatient treatment served to improve the psychological condition of the patients with regard to certain but not all self-image components. Despite a trend of improvement, some of the scores did not fully normalize in this sample.