A PSYCHOSOMATIC STUDY OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA INCLUDING THE USE OF VAGINAL SMEARS

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Abstract
Four extreme cases of anorexia nervosa in women are reviewed. Eating was associated with erotic symbolism and was accompanied by feelings of anxiety and guilt. Two of the patients vomited after eating and the other two entirely refused food so that tube feeding was necessary. Anorexia nervosa is considered "as a psychosomatic entity in which fantasies of oral impregnation are dramatized through starvation, vomiting, and amenor-rhea." Therapy in such cases is not encouraging. Prolonged psychotherapy in a hospital environment is indicated for the patient together with careful social service work with the parents.

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