Identical twins concordant for anorexia nervosa. A preliminary case report

This case described the symptoms of anorexia nervosa occurring in identical twins. The problems of twinship, especially the failure to establish separate identities, complicated the more general psychological issues facing these adolescents in a disturbed family. In therapy the core issues of the anorexic patient persist--disturbance of body image, misinterpretation of body stimuli and a sense of ineffectiveness. Up to now therapy seems to have improved family function, making it easier for them to coexist and decreasing the feelings of hostility and negativism felt between the parents and the twins. Eating behaviour presently focuses on the twins' need to have equal amounts of food but less emphasis is placed on the food as an area of conflict for the family.