Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2026

Assessing Activity-based Anorexia in Mice
Published on: May 14, 2018
[Dynamic psychopathology for a unified approach to psychogenic eating disorders]
M Montanari1, L Giordani, F Rizzardi
1Istituto di Psichiatria P. Ottonello, Università di Bologna.
Abstract:
The paper focuses on psychopathological problems relating to psychogenic dietary disorders. Using a psychodynamic approach, the Authors hypothesise the existence of a structural "continuum" which links these diseases to the contexts of either exaggerated food consumption or reduced or insufficient food intake. The discussion in centered on the dynamic-genetic aspect, also taking into account intermediate psychopathological morphologies, which underlies this branch of clinical psychiatry. The failure to overcome "infantile dependence" is identified as the most important genetic factor. The type and efficacy of strategy used to neutralise the persistent anxiety caused by this unresolved "separation/identification" of the Ego shape the individual symptomatology of each dietary disorder described in the study.
Related Concept Videos
Psychodynamic Perspectives on Personality
Psychodynamic theorists argue that unconscious...
Introduction to Psychological Disorders
Deviant Behavior
Deviance in behavior refers to actions or thought patterns that significantly diverge from societal norms or...
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorders

