The Visible and Invisible in Anorexia

Domenico Cosenza, Ph.D., Discussant Fernando Castrillon, Psy.D.

Monday Oct 16, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

In this lecture we will try to show how psychoanalysis has illuminated, from different perspectives, the clinical picture of mental anorexia. Ever since Freud, it has in fact sought to show the root of this singular syndrome, so widespread particularly among young women in contemporary times, beyond all neurobiological and behavioural reductionism. The empirically observable daily rituals of these patients around food, the body and weight are in fact animated by a peculiar relational dynamic concerning their relationship with the other fundamentals of their lives, and by a libidinal economy endowed with specific characteristics, which we shall attempt to highlight in our presentation. The contribution of great scholars and clinicians of anorexia such as Hilde Bruch and Mara Selvini Palazzoli, the Kestembergs and Brussets, the Bionian approach of Polacco Williams, the perspectives linked to attachment and mentalisation of Peter Fonagy, as well as the insights of Lacan developed by the students of his School will help shed light on the invisible motor of mental anorexia and on the lines of orientation of treatment.

CE Credits offered: 1.5

Course Objectives

After completing this course participants will be able to:

1. define the concept of "mental anorexia"
2. describe how a libidinal economy is involved in anorexia

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