Anorexia nervosa: reflections on theory and practice.

Psychodynamic theory provides a critical element in the conceptual framework necessary for a therapist's understanding of the abnormal behavior exhibited by patients with anorexia nervosa. A model of the syndrome is presented here which the author has found useful in the ongoing treatment of patients. The paper has arisen out of a desire to clarify thinking and practice in the course of treating patients manifesting the classic syndrome identified in those whose symptoms are not secondary to physical disease or psychosis.