Abstract
A rare case of primary anorexia nervosa occurring in one of prepubertal identical male twins is reported. Comparison of the twins revealed very little information about why the patient twin alone developed anorexia nervosa. A greater degree of apprehension in the father about the patient's childhood sexual curiosity may have been a factor. The patient twin was more driven in pursuing perfection and achievement in athletics, and consequently had a greater fear of failure than his brother. However, the unaffected twin was more phobic, experienced more nightmares, and paradoxically was perceived as the less competent and dependent twin. Rapid improvement occurred in the course of a traditional management approach and individual psychotherapy. Neither behavior modification techniques, nor any sustained or systematic contact with his unyielding family was employed. The possibility is suggested that true anorexia nervosa in males more commonly or characteristically occurs in preadolescent males, whereas in females the onset is more common in early and middle adolescence.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
