Comparative characteristics of individual psychological characteristics of patients with eating disorders

Abstract

The relevance of the study is due to statistical indicators demonstrating the increasing prevalence of eating disorders and insufficient consideration of individual psychological factors in building a strategy for helping to achieve and maintain remission. The purpose of the study is to investigate the individual psychological characteristics of individuals with different types of eating disorders and compare them. The empirical research methods used are observation, analysis of medical records, the Eating Behaviour Rating Scale, and the 16-factor personality questionnaire by R.B. Cattell. The article presents the differences and similarities in the individual psychological characteristics of patients with eating disorders. It has been found that patients with different eating disorders have inherent characteristics. The analysis showed that there are features that have similar indicators in two groups of respondents, but differ in the third and vice versa. It has been found that respondents with compulsive overeating have the most chaotic personality profile when compared with patients of other groups. The main individual psychological features by type of eating disorder are summarized. It has been found that patients with anorexia have high rates of self-control, requirements for their own body, distrust in interpersonal relationships and suspicion with a tendency to control their desires. Indecision, suspicion, and anxiety scores are also high. Patients with bulimia have a more pronounced softness score among all groups of respondents, with high levels of carelessness and anxiety, along with indicators of gullibility, indecision, and emotional instability. Patients with compulsive overeating are characterized by pronounced emotional instability among all groups of respondents. It was found that patients with anorexia and compulsive overeating are more open to communication than patients with bulimia. Patients with anorexia and compulsive overeating are expressive, dynamic, and active in relationships, in contrast to patients with bulimia who have pronounced anxiety, hypochondria, and pessimism. The respondents of all groups have impaired feelings of satiety and hunger. The results showed that patients with anorexia and patients with compulsive overeating have a higher level of perfectionism than patients with bulimia. Dissatisfaction with the body and the desire for thinness are common to the three groups. The practical value of the article lies in the possibility of using the research materials for an effective strategy of psychotherapeutic care for patients with different types of food addiction