The psychodynamic diversity of anorexia nervosa
1982
Swift, William J. | Stern, Steven
In contrast to previous literature which has concentrated on similarities among anorexics, an extensive examination is made of the psychodynamic heterogeneity of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). A general hypothesis is proposed that AN is a broad-range disorder, ranging from a culturally normative concern with weight, dieting, appearance, etc., to the intensely morbid preoccupation which characterizes the hospitalized anorexic. In addition, 3 psychod ynamic subtypes of anorexics found in the clinically disturbed AN population are described: the borderline anorexic; the empty, unstructured anorexic; and the emotionally-conflicted, identity-confused anorexic. These 3 subtypes are mean proximates at points in the AN diversity continum. Detailed characteristics of the 3 psychodynamic AN subgroups are reviewed and summarized as a conceptual model for understanding the diverse clinical features of AN patients. (wz)
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