Eating Disorders: Analysis and Therapy Based on Personality Organization

Abstract

Eating disorders are generally described as being associated with body image, involving an attempt to reduce bodily dimensions to the maximum extent. The disorders are characterized by fasts that last for a period of one or two days, minimal food intake, vomiting and bulimic consumption. The present article proposes that the customary categorization according to symptomatic evidence is inadequate and that a more accurate classification would be based on the sufferer's level of personality organization. Such a division would enable therapy to be optimally matched to each patient (Kernberg, 1967), greatly assisting therapists in choosing and planning treatment for the individual sufferer.