Paradoxical intention in the treatment of chronic anorexia nervosa.

Eight patients with chronic anorexia nervosa were treated by the authors with a paradoxical approach. At follow-up 2-4 years later four of the patients had maintained a normal weight (within 15% of average weight), and only one patient was at a very low weight. The authors found this encouraging but caution that this technique does not address the individual's personality difficulties, for it did not appear to have improved the patients' social and sexual functioning. They believe, however, that paradoxical intention is worthy of further study in treating chronic anorexia nervosa.