Whose body is it anyway? Understanding and treating psychosomatic aspects of eating disorders.
Eating disorders can be understood as psychosomatic illnesses in which the body is pitted against the psyche. The author explores a variety of theoretical principles that aid understanding of the eating disorders and inform treatment interventions. She explains various therapeutic interventions and discusses countertransference difficulties that may hinder work with eating disorder patients. A theoretical understanding of the nature of psychosomatic dissociation in these patients enables treaters to understand why treatment often takes a very long time and is met with strong resistance even as the patient clamors for help.
Adult Outpatient Department, Menninger Clinic, Topeka, KS 66601-0829.
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Zerbe
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001828:Body Image; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*