Anorexia nervosa: diagnosis, early detection and treatment concept

The preliminary results of a retrospective study of 31 inpatient treated patients with anorexia nervosa are reported. We summarize the disordered psychological functions according to H. Bruch and outline our inpatient treatment plan. Anorexia nervosa is a developmental crisis which manifests in puberty and early adolescence. There is a great influence of family interactional patterns on the development of this disease. In most of the cases an inpatient treatment is necessary, to be followed by outpatient treatment. Our treatment plan consists of weight gain, individual psycho-therapy and family therapy. Especially in early onset anorexics family therapy is essential to clarify and correct the disturbed patterns of family interactions. Finally we stress on the importance of the first contact between this patients and the general practitioner or pediatrician, because early recognition of this disease will give a chance for better treatment and can minimize the cases of therapy delay.