Body image disturbances in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa

So for, body image disturbances have been studied predominantly only in adult patients in anorexia nervosa (AN). The present study assessed body image disturbances in adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Real and ideal body image were measured in 21 young patients by use of the Body Image Test according to Hennighausen. The Body Perception Index (BPI) was calculated. A general perceptual disturbance in terms of an over-or underestimation was not confirmed. However, there were consistent tendencies towards an overestimation of certain body parts, most particularly the thigh, hip and waist region. Body image perception was dependent of eating disorder severity. The present results underline the possibility to measure body image disturbances also in young patients with AN. However, specificity and prognostic impact of body image disturbances in AN have to be regarded critically.