[Anorexia nervosa and schizophrenia in a pair of monozygotic twins].

The case report describes two 20-year-old monozygotic twin sisters who have been suffering from the symptoms of primary anorexia nervosa for the last 10 years. Usually the disease manifested itself in such a manner that the twin who was currently in the mother's favour showed no signs of anorexia, whereas the other was severely afflicted. Occasionally, however, both girls suffered from the same anorectic symptoms at the same time. For the moment the condition of one of the twins seems to have become stable. Up to now the other twin has suffered three times from schizophrenic episodes which seem to be closely connected with the problems of anorexia. The most recent severe catatonic state, in particular, appeared to be a gradual transition from anorectic behaviour to psychotic experience so that the close relationship between primary anorexia and schizophrenic disturbances, as discussed in literature, becomes increasingly evident.