Abstract
The aim of this dissertation is not only to investigate the presenting symptoms of the
condition known as orthorexia nervosa (ON). It also seeks to understand the underlying
structures that may be sustaining this form of disordered eating. To date the
relationship between obsessive–compulsive disorder and orthorexia nervosa has not
been sufficiently examined. Through a psychoanalytic lens, the author looks at how the
creation of the obsessional structure could be used to explore and understand new
eating disorders. The research examines how a psychodynamic perspective could be
used to treat this clientele. Furthermore, the dissertation will consider the social
discourse surrounding eating disorders and how a feminine approach can be used to
bridge the gap, between psyche and soma in the quest for wholeness.
