A hundred and fifty years since first described, Anorexia Nervosa continues to problematize scientists regarding its etiology and diagnosis but –primary– its treatment or prevention. The cases of patients characterized as having an “Atypical” Eating Disorder are raised and the present diagnostic criteria are faced with skepticism by many psychiatrists. The etiology of Anorexia Nervosa is considered  to  be  so  multifactorial  that  none  of  the  existing  theories  (biological,  cognitive,  systemic  and psychodynamic) can satisfactorily explain totally the clinical manifestations of the disorder. Social component seems to play –among others– an important role. Nevertheless, recently there is in process a remarkable effort in order to standardize a clear therapeutic plan totally adjusted in the severity of  the  clinical  features  in  the  course of  the disorder.  Some  treatments  seem  to be more efficacious than others but generally the results in treating Anorexia Nervosa are not satisfactory.

Key words: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, eating disorder

A. Lagoudis, V. Bozikas (page 121) - Full article (Greek)