Anorexia Nervosa

Learn to apply focal psychodynamic psychotherapy, an evidence-based method shown to produce lasting changes for patients with anorexia nervosa.

• A three-phase treatment supported by extensive empirical studies
• Full of hands-on tips, real-life case studies, and clinical pearls
• Precise assessment of psychodynamic structures and themes
• Identify ego structural deficits
• Printable tools for clinical use

This manual presents an evidence-based focal psychodynamic approach for the outpatient treatment of adults with anorexia nervosa, which has been shown to produce lasting changes for patients.

The reader first gains a thorough understanding of the general models and theories of anorexia nervosa. The book then describes in detail a three-phase treatment using focal psychodynamic psychotherapy. It provides extensive hands-on tips, including precise assessment of psychodynamic themes and structures using the Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis (DPD) system, real-life case studies, and clinical pearls. Clinicians also learn how to identify and treat typical ego structural deficits in the areas of affect experience and differentiation, impulse control, self-worth regulation, and body perception. Detailed case vignettes provide deepened insight into the therapeutic process. A final chapter explores the extensive empirical studies on which this manual is based, in particular the renowned multicenter ANTOP study. Printable tools in the appendices can be used in daily practice.

This book is of interest to clinical psychologists, sychotherapists, psychiatrists, counselors, and students.

Praise for the book

“This rich compendium of clinical practice and research, illustrated with case descriptions and treatment tips, is essential reading for all clinicians working with people with anorexia nervosa.”
Janet Treasure, OBE, PhD, FRCPsych, FRCP, Consultant at South London and Maudsley Hospital and Professor at King’s College London, UK

“This book provides scientific evidence for an approach that has a long-term impact on one of the most vexing psychiatric problems – anorexia nervosa. Anybody working or wanting to learn to work with these patients should read this.”
Jacques P. Barber, PhD, ABPP, Professor and Dean of Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University, NY, USA