OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of
borderline personality symptoms and self-harm behavior in two distinct
groups of obese subjects. METHOD: Obese women, 17 from an eating disorders
program and 60 from a primary care setting, were administered the
borderline personality scale of the Personality Diagnostic
Questionnaire--Revised, the Diagnostic Interview for Borderline Patients,
and the Self-Harm Inventory. RESULTS: There was a significant between-group
difference on all study measures, with subjects in the eating disorders
program displaying more psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS: Study group
membership appears to have a significant effect on the prevalence of
psychopathology in obese women.
Abstract Teaser