Reconsidering food avoidance emotional disorder through discussion of four cases

Abstract

Objectives

The Authors investigate the conceptualization of a group of patients with the same clinical and psychological patterns, affected by eating disturbances arisen during the age of latency.

Methods

Four cases are presented and discussed. Each subject was diagnosed as Food Avoidance Emotional Disorder (FAED).

Results

The described subjects present some of the typical features of eating disorders of adolescence. Moreover, regressive aspects, obligingness, dichotomyc behaviors and thoughts were noticed. The Authors observed that parental expectations and needs were transmitted to their sons.

Conclusions

Through the refusal of food the dochotomyc and fearful thoughts are crystallized. The child cannot comprehend the existence of a false Self built on the Other's expectations. The Authors believe that FAED can be a precursor of Anorexia nervosa in the affected children, who show a less organized cognitive structure due to their young age.