ABSTRACT
Personality characteristics are thought to have various etiological and clinical implications in the eating disorders (EDs), and have, consequently, intrigued ED specialists for years. We have previously reviewed the complex issues pertaining to the role of personality traits and pathology in the etiology of EDs (Bruce & Steiger, 2005; Steiger, 2004; Steiger & Bruce, 2004). In the present chapter, we focus on the prognostic implications of personality pathology for the EDs—that is, personality disorders (PDs) and pathological personality traits. Our chapter covers the implications of personality pathology for ED symptom status, development and onset, natural course, and treatment response. We highlight findings, where available, on the importance of personality pathology with regard to symptoms and treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS)—including binge eating disorder (BED). Our aim is to provide a practice-oriented overview and synthesis of the literature.
