EXPANDING THE EMPATHIC GRASP IN THE TREATMENT OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA: ADDING A NEUROSCIENCE PERSPECTIVE

This paper uses data from neuroscience to describe a phenotype of the person prone to developing Anorexia Nervosa, the brain changes that contribute to perpetuating the disorder and the challenges facing the Anorectic patient as s/he works to break the destructive patterns. We suggest that neuroscience data integrated into a psychodynamic clinical process expand the way the clinician conveys empathy and understanding to the patient. This approach facilitates weight gain and creates a platform for deeper psychodynamic work once weight is stabilized. A lengthy clinical example illustrates this approach.