Sexuality of women with anorexia nervosa

The sexual development and life of 30 adult women with anorexia nervosa and of 50 control women was investigated using a structured interview and 3 sexological questionnaires. Heterosexual development was found to be normal in the initial stages, but psychosexual adaptation in adulthood was impaired. Primary or secondary insufficiencies of sexual life were found for 80% of the anorectic patients. Biological and psychosocial factors may participate in this unfavourable state. Discussion of sexual problems should be part of the process of treating women with anorexia nervosa.