THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM ANOREXIA-NERVOSA AND THE NURSES ROLE IN CREATING A THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP

This paper reviews research on the psychological characteristics of pa tients suffering from anorexia nervosa and that examining the therapeu tic relationship. The former research suggests that anorexic patients possess a psychological profile characterized by: a phobia of weight g ain and fear of loss of control; alexithymia and lack of introceptive awareness; mistrust of self and others; cognitive dysfunction; low sel f-esteem; and often the presence of starvation-induced depression, The latter strongly suggests that in order for a relationship to be thera peutic it needs to be characterized by: empathy; positive regard and a cceptance; warmth; commitment; trust; genuineness; and be non-judgemen tal. The implications of these research findings regarding the nurse's role in forming a therapeutic relationship with anorexic patients is then discussed. It is seen that it is vital that nurses receive adequa te education before working with such patients, and that their knowled ge is regularly updated. Nurses should receive regular clinical superv ision and support, in order to ensure that they are able to provide th erapeutic care for such patients.