ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Anorexia Nervosa/psychology , Gender Identity , Identification, Psychological , Psychosexual Development , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Menstruation Disturbances/psychology , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological/psychologyABSTRACT
Thirty healthy young women volunteered to complete questionnaires concerning physical and psychological symptoms during a full menstrual cycle. A maximal incidence of minor physical and psychological symptoms was observed in the first few days of menstruation. This was preceded by a gradual rise in the level of symptomatology during the premenstruum.
