[Anorectic and bulimic eating disorders--new developments. 2: Spectrum of evaluated therapy measures]

Therapeutic approaches to eating disorders--in particular the restrictive form of anorexia nervosa--should, in the first instance, be directed towards improving the patient's physical state of health. In addition, psychotherapeutic management of the interoceptive and emotional perception disturbances that are also usually present makes good sense (e.g. by cognitive behavioral therapy, video confrontation of the patient with her own appearance). On the other hand, disturbances in emotional expression also need to be addressed, and inadequate social skills improved. On an individual basis, the question must be investigated as to how far chronic stress, and/or major events in the patient's life are involved, or whether conflicts within the family or a partnership may be of significance for the initiation and maintenance of an eating disorder.