Anorexia nervosa

Abstract

The article takes as its starting point the difficulties in solving the enigma of anorexia nervosa. These difficulties are seen as connected with the conception of anorexia as a specific disease where the personality organization of the patient, the etiology of the disease, as well as the appropriate treatment, are determined by the diagnosis itself. Contrary to this is urged an understanding of anorexia as a specific defense organization. This implies that the diagnosis itself makes only a limited statement about the personality of the patient in question. Thus it is possible to include both the personality traits common to anorectic patients
and the differences between them. The common personality traits are described, and conceptualized as an expression of ego-weakness. Finally anorectic patients' suitability for psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy is discussed.