A Treatment Regime for Anorexia Nervosa

A treatment regime for anorexia nervosa is described. It combines the administration of chlorpromazine and controlled dietary intake with psychotherapy to the patient. The immediate and follow-up (an average period of 1½ years) clinical status of twenty-one patients, treated in this way, is presented. Treatment is often a long-term matter and the pitfall of regarding the patient as "cured" because there has been an immediate substantial weight gain as a result of treatment is evident. Thus, while nineteen patients initially regained a normal body weight, only nine are regarded as having so far achieved a normal pattern of eating behaviour and an adequate heterosexual and social adjustment with prospects of freedom from further illness.