Anorexia nervosa and bulimia in dancers. Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning

Ballet dancers have an increased risk of developing anorexia nervosa, perhaps because of their preoccupation with appearance and body shape related to their career. The author lists the early warning signs of anorexia nervosa and bulimia in dancers. Techniques are described to assist the practitioner in differentiating the normal dieting dancer from the anorectic dancer. The author emphasizes strategic treatment planning with anorectic dancers who initially deny the severity of their illness.