ABSTRACT
Angelina, aged 20, has a history of anorexia nervosa (AN) since the age of 14. Prior to the onset of AN, Angelina struggled with profound fears of social disapproval and remained isolated even in her experience of interpersonal discomfort. Her desire for achievement, particularly in running and academics, made her stifle relationship fears and suffer silently while continuing to participate in these organized social activities. The thought of describing discomfort to others ‘never occurred’ to her. Years later, when Angelina and her family were in therapy for treatment of her AN, purging subtype, both parents were surprised to learn of Angelina's subjective reports of social anxiety in childhood as, to all appearances, she was coping ‘well’.
