Citation

Crisp A. Eur. Eat. Disord. Rev. 2006; 14(3): 189-202.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/erv.706

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The author defends his view that a phobically-driven biologically-based avoidance mechanism, rooted in the selective impact of calorie starvation on the pubertal/reproductive process, lies at the root of the disorder we call 'anorexia nervosa'. Its intensity, coupled with the underlying maturational challenge driving the phobia, governs the natural history of the condition and its prognosis in the individual case. This psychopathology, often vigorously denied in the first instance, once recognized, invites a multidimensional approach to diagnosis and a corresponding specifically developed treatment package which is significantly often effective. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; suicide; prognosis; psychotherapy; anorexia nervosa; Psychopathology; Anorexia nervosa; article; social adaptation; conflict; mental disease; population research; psychodynamics; avoidance behavior; social aspect; reproduction; follow up; body fat; body weight; puberty; phobia; ego; diet restriction; body build; body mass; caloric intake; clinical assessment; clinical effectiveness; physical attractiveness; caloric restriction