DCA e profili di personalità: modalità di presa in carico presso la S.C. di N.P.I.A. dell'A.S.L. TO3

Eating disorders are very common in our society and there is large variability in the clinical presentation of EDs. To better understand this phenomenon, previous research has used underlying personality dimensions to identify distinct subgroups of ED patients. The studies identified three main subtypes of personality: high-functioning/perfectionistic, constricted/overcontrolled and emotionally dysregulated/undercontrolled. Research shows that personality profiles can predict outcomes: undercontrolled patients were more likely to have a poor outcome on discharge than overcontrolled and high-functioning patients. By knowing the different personality subtypes effective treatment options are available. This study consists of two parts. In the first part the modality of taking charge of the ED patient at the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service of Pinerolo is described. Generally the treatment suggested for ED includes nutritional treatment and medical check-ups, psychotherapy and parental support. A multidisciplinary team is involved in the diagnosis and treatment process. In the second part a study is presented and the aim of this study is to investigate personality profiles of patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The research is performed at the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service of Pinerolo and fourteen patients between 14 and 18 years of age were taken into consideration. The Shedlen-Westen Assessment Procedure was used to measure personality traits. The Shedlen-Westen Assessment Procedure is usually used at the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service of Pinerolo to make a functional diagnosis, to address psychotherapy and measure the results following follow-up. The results of the study suggest that the patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa relating to the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Service more frequently show a highfunctioning/ perfectionistic profile of personality. This type of personality is characterized by relational and coping ability, but also high levels of self-criticism, perfectionism and feelings of guilt. As previous research shows, it is associated with high functioning and it is more common between outpatients than inpatients.