Is there a family profile of addictive behaviors? Family functioning in anorexia nervosa and drug dependence disorder.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to determine whether family profiles differ between patients with anorexia nervosa or drug dependence disorder.

METHOD: 25 families of patients with anorexia nervosa and 26 families of patients with drug dependence disorder responded to a battery of self-reports (Interpersonal Dependence Inventory, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, and Family Questionnaire).

RESULTS

A lack of social self-confidence was observed in patients with anorexia nervosa or drug dependence disorder and their parents. Family disturbances characterized by low cohesion and emotional reliance on another person were observed in the families of patients with anorexia nervosa or drug dependence disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that there are differing levels of severity of family disturbances among fathers, mothers, and patients in both anorexia nervosa and drug dependence disorder.