ABSTRACT
Anorexia nervosa can vary from a brief disorder to a chronic condition and from a relatively mild disturbance to a debilitating or mortal illness. This chapter focuses on methods to ameliorate self-esteem in view of its centrality as a psychotherapeutic aim. Clinicians have described the integration of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches into an effective framework in individual psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with eating disorders. A central aim in psychotherapeutic treatment of anorexia nervosa is amelioration of self-concept. The nutritional repletion that follows initial stabilization should begin slowly and be monitored carefully. Methods of refeeding are discussed in the section entitled Weight Restoration. After medical stabilization occurs and as renutrition continues, a daily multi-vitamin may be given to lessen the likelihood of deficiencies developing as vitamin and mineral stores are depleted by their use in tissue formation. A strong therapeutic alliance between the patient and treatment personnel is important in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
