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to personality disorders, individuals frequently possess the traits of needing to conform, obsessive compulsive features, rigidity and perfectionism (Westen & Harnden-Fischer, 2001). Perfectionism and obsessionality, above all others, seem to have the most impact on the development and perpetuation of anorexia nervosa. With the trait of perfectionism, women set unreasonable goals for themselves that are unreachable. They often are self critical, anxious, guilt ridden and competitive (Westen & Harnden-Fischer, 2001). Even after those with AN have "recovered", the trait of perfectionism persists; this implies that the trait may exist before the onset of the disorder, and may be an accelerating feature to its development (Claridge & Davis, 2003). Perfectionism seems to both induce and perpetuate AN, but does not compare to the effects of obsessionality.

An obsessive personality is a necessity in perpetuating anorexic behaviors. Like perfectionism, obessionality is a stable feature before the onset of AN, during, and even after the individual has regained weight (Treasure et al., 2003). This personality trait contributes considerably to the obsessive compulsive tendencies of those with AN, and prevalence of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessive tendencies such as over exercising, weight checking, calorie counting are all similar to OCD (Claridge & Davis, 2003). The over exercising component of R-AN is present in 40-80% of individuals, mostly occurring at the acute phase of their disorder (Holtkamp et al., 2004). The perseverance of obsessive and intrusive thoughts leads to an increase in the amount of exercising; and it is easy to see how someone with an obsessive personality can fall into the pattern of over exercising and caloric restriction (Davis et al., 1998). Obsessionality and the lack of control over the disorder may contribute to creating a treatment-resistant form of anorexia, where perfection and obsession come together to a destructive end (Davis & Kaptien, 2006). Also, obsessionality may contribute to the self defeating and negative affect that afflict those with AN.
Both perfectionism and obsessionality together are a lethal combination. These personality traits often lead to low self esteem and ruminations about the self that are uncontrollable. Self evaluation within AN individuals is based on body shape and weight; because of their perfectionist traits, they are unable to achieve their ideals. Anorexic sufferers have a higher level of

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