What is a predominant characteristic of a patient with anorexia nervosa?

Perfectionism is a predominant characteristic of individuals with anorexia nervosa. Patients often set exceptionally high standards for themselves and may feel a need to achieve control over their bodies and food intake, which they associate with success and self-worth. This trait can manifest as a relentless pursuit of thinness, where any deviation from their ideal body image or weight can lead to feelings of failure or inadequacy. The perfectionistic tendencies may also extend beyond body image, affecting other aspects of their life, such as academic or social performance.

While some patients may engage in compulsive exercise, experience low self-esteem, or exhibit social withdrawal, perfectionism is frequently recognized as a core psychological trait that drives the behaviors seen in anorexia nervosa. This characteristic contributes significantly to the maintenance of the disorder and highlights the complex interplay between psychological factors and eating behaviors in these patients.