[Interplay of social, intrapsychological and biological factors for the etiopathogenesis of anorexia nervosa].

Abstract

Intergroup-comparison and hierarchical cluster analyses (method Lance and Williams, x2-test, t-test, p less than 5%) of 170 facts at biological, psychodynamic and social level in 35 patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and 30 patients suffering from postpill-amenorrhea confirm the close relations of these levels for aetiopathogenesis. Postpill-amenorrhea can be taken as hypothalamic dysfunction (overpressing of LH-RH-release after anticonceptives) and therefore as a model for the biological disturbance at anorexia nervosa. Cluster analyses resulted in a division into 3 groups: one group of anorexia nervosa (C) with deep biological disturbances; a main group of anorexia nervosa (B) and the group of postpill-amenorrhea (A). In cluster C are combined early age of onset, rigidity-type in hormonal tests, EEG-changes, psychopathic personality in MMPI and strongest disturbed social interactions. In cluster B are neurotic profile in MMPI combined with severe biological and social difficulties. 13 out of 30 showing anorectic-like behaviour during adolescence are even more disturbed as the other postpill-amenorrhea patient in cluster A. Regressions analyses could not confirm a dependence between loss of weight and some endocrine functions.