Anorexia and Alternative Medicine, Part II

As previously suggested, there is overwhelming evidence that psychological treatment is an essential element in any multi-modal program for combating anorexia. American WholeHealth cites evidence that specific psychological interventions are effective in certain types of anorexia. In the study, 80 anorexic outpatients received either individual supportive therapy or family therapy for one year. In a five-year follow-up, the group as a whole showed significant improvement, especially among patients with early onset and a short history of the illness. However, patients with early onset and a short history did best with family therapy, while those with late onset did best with individual supportive therapy.

The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) mentions trance therapy as a possible treatment. Employed by Britisher John Hevesi, it uses free association in a trance state. This modality was reviewed by Christopher Zeeman in "The Catastrophe Theory" in the April 1976 issue of Scientific American.

ANAD notes that although used by therapists, hypnosis and trance therapy may be unwise for anorexics who often greatly fear being controlled by others. I discuss the issue of control more fully in The Psychological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa, Part II.

For those who fear outside control, self-hypnosis and biofeedback may be better options. ANAD reports moderate success among inpatients trained in these techniques over a period of three to six months.

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