[Psychiatric and psychological aspects of anorexia nervosa]

A group of 38 patients treated in the Department of Psychiatry, Medical Academy of Gdańsk, from 1972 to 1988, because of anorexia nervosa (0.33% patients treated in the Department) was studied. There was 36 women and 2 men aged 14 to 39 years (average 21 years). Half of the patients finished only secondary school, the others started university education--most of them were still students. Except one, they presented good intellectual abilities; 6 women were married. In 42% cases a conflict situation at school or family was found (adaptational problems, competition at home); in 18% cases problems with acceptance of the role of woman. In 25% cases minimal brain damage symptoms were found in the EEG and psychologic tests. In the rest of the cases neurotic traits were present--the schizophrenic process was not found at all. Frequently the patients did show fearful attitude, difficulties with emotional relation towards other persons, egocentrism; a tendency to use regression, resignation, repression, over intellectualism and conversion as defence mechanisms. The pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment did results in clinical improvement (weight gain, mood and sleep normalization, reduced anxiety) in all cases studied.