CONVERSATIONS WITH ANOREXICS

Case histories with comment, from a pioneer in the psychoanalytically-based treatment of anorexia nervosa. Bruch (Eating Disorders, 1973; The Golden Cage, 1978) died in 1984; her work here has been edited posthumously. Extensive reporting of actual patient interviews allows readers a view of therapeutic work with Bruch's own patients. Bruch's aim was ""liberating patients from the distorting influences of their early experiences"" in order to ""help the anorexic patient in her search of autonomy and self-directed identity by evoking awareness of impulses, feelings, and needs that originated within."" The editors have arranged the material so that ""the expository and case materials illustrate specific issues in the dynamics and treatment of anorexia nervosa."" Hence, chapters address such topics as evaluation, ""Getting Involved,"" ""The Unwilling Patient,"" and so on. A competent arrangement of valuable last instruction from an expert, principally of use to those involved in therapy and treatment.