Anorexia nervosa: a combined therapeutic approach.

Ten female patients with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa were treated with a combination of behavior modification and psychotherapy and, when appropriate, psychotropic medication. All patients had favorable weight gain and improvement in adjustment during hospitalization. Later crises for each patient thus far have not significantly affected their weight. Three case histories illustrate the method used. The interrelationship between weight gain and the process in psychotherapy is illustrated and the psychopathologic features typical of this patient population are discussed. We conclude that the combined therapeutic method described is an effective and appropriate approach to the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa.

Duke Scholars

Author Daniel German Blazer Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Behavioral Medicine & Neur ...