[Anorexia nervosa in boys: a fact].

Adolescent anorexia nervosa is characterised by its relationship to pubertal conflicts. The authors report two cases showing that this syndrome is not confined to girls. In boys, it usually results in delayed puberty. The diagnostic criteria are detailed. The concept of pathological process, causing stereotyped syndrome, is distinguished from the notion of psychological organisation which gives rise to wide individual variation. The pathological outcome is considered in the context of pubertal dynamics, marked by the reemergence of the oedipus conflict and the rearrangement of the patients identificatory systems, and also in the continuity of the particular libidinal behaviour, characterised by important points of fixation of the oral pulsion. The role of the family group in the initiation and maintenance of the anorectic behaviour is also discussed.