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The psychosexual histories of adolescent girls and young women with anorexia nervosa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

P. J. V. Beumont ,
Suzanne F. Abraham  and
Kathleen G. Simson
P. J. V. Beumont*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Autralia
Suzanne F. Abraham
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Autralia
Kathleen G. Simson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Autralia
*
1Address for correspondence: Professor P. J. V. Beumont, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Synopsis

Comprehensive psychosexual histories were elicited from 31 female patients with anorexia nervosa. The subjects showed a wide spectrum of sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. Some appeared to be markedly inhibited, while others were experienced and assertive in regard to sexual matters. Age at interview appeared to be the major factor determining whether individual patients were sexually experienced or not.

A majority of patients felt that a sexual challenge had precipitated their illness, and most reported a decrease in sexual interest and enjoyment following weight loss, particularly when this was severe. The effect of the illness on actual sexual behaviour, however, was variable, some patients decreasing and others increasing their sexual activity.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 11 , Issue 1 , February 1981 , pp. 131 - 140
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981

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