Perfectionism, a transdiagnostic construct in eating disorders

Introduction Perfectionism is considered a multidimensional key risk factor for Eating Disorders (EDs). There are discrepancies regarding if it is mainly associated to Anorexia nervosa (AN) but not to other EDs. Objectives To study if Perfectionism is not only related with AN, but it is present in all EDs and associated with more transdiagnostic attitudes and behaviors. Aims To see if there were significant differences among EDs subgroups concerning Perfectionism and to study which abnormal eating attitudes were more associated with this trait. Methods Participants were 151 outpatients with EDs. DSM-IVTR diagnoses were: 44 (29.1%) Anorexia Nervosa (AN), 55 (36.4%) Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and 52 (34.4%) Eating Disorders not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). Perfectionism was assessed with the Edinburg Investigatory Test (EDI-2) subscale; general psychopathology with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire (RSE). Eating psychopathology was measured with the Bulimic Investigatory Test (BITE), Eating Attitude Test (EAT-40), EDI-2 and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Results No significant differences were found regarding Perfectionism among the three groups. Body dissatisfaction was the variable most associated with Perfectionism ( β  = 0.330, F  = 14.2, P Conclusions The findings confirm that Perfectionism is present in all EDs and there is a relationship between body dissatisfaction and Perfectionism. Interplay has been suggested between these two factors for the development of EDs.