The psychoanalytic understanding of anorexia nervosa and the therapeutic response
Authors
Gaynor, Fiona
Issue Date
2015
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
Anorexia Nervosa is a widespread and potentially dangerous condition which affects an ever increasing amount of individuals. This research attempts to give a psychoanalytic understanding of Anorexia Nervosa and the therapeutic response in terms of recovery. When individuals are able to uncover why they interact with food as they do, they are able to work on the underlying thoughts and emotions that have manifested in an eating disorder. When these thoughts and emotions are explored, disordered eating can then decrease or cease. More than the symptom has to change; it is not just about wanting to get a person to eat but to understand what it means for them in the intricate and complex interactions of their internal world.