A comparison of anorexics and schizophrenics on psychodiagnostic measures

Abstract

Much controversy has existed concerning the nosological category to which primary anorexia nervosa belongs. In this study 27 hospitalized anorexic and schizophrenic females at NIMH were compared on two commonly used psychodiagnostic measures, the Wechsler and Rorschach. Anorexics had higher IQ's than schizphrenics. Specifically, with the exception of similarities and vocabulary, anorexics showed a superiority on all subtests. On the other hand, anorexics, like schizophrenics, produced disturbed Rorshachs. The Delta Index means of the two groups were not statistically significant and clearly reflected pathological thought organization. However, on specific Rorschach dimensions, anorexics produced more shading, achromatic color and whole responses which suggests greater organizing abilities and awareness of affectional needs and depression. A unitary model of psychopathology is criticized for insufficient descriptive and differentiating power, and a model is presented that allows for the measuring of levels of psychopathology. Based on general test considerations (e. g. differential response to degree of structure) and specific test findings (e. g. shading and achromatic responses, whole responses, Delta Index), it is proposed that anorexics have a number of features in common with borderline personalities. These similarities include proclivity toward disturbed thought processes, sensitivity to depression and affective needs but cognitive organization on structured tests.