Family Structure in Three Cases of Anorexia Nervosa: The Role of the Father
PATRICIA WOLD M.D.1
1 Medical Director, East Providence Mental Health Clinic, East Providence, R.I.
The family structure in three cases of anorexia nervosa is described. Each parent placed a daughter (the patient) in the position of his or her own mother, toward whom neither parent could express hostility. This conflict was focused on the child, blocking any expression of aggression or sexuality in the child. The actual weight loss seemed closely related to the patient's relationship with her father.
