The relevance of the study is that anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders are complex in terms of early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the results of psychotherapy and persistent remission. These diseases pose a threat to the physical and psychological health of many underage boys and girls, and remain unnoticed for a long time. The fact that anorexia nervosa remains a disease with the highest mortality rate (which is around 20-30% according to various data), even when treated, causes us to more detailed researchment of the symptoms, their significance and origin.
One of the central ideas in Gestalt therapy is the idea of the border of contact, where experience arises. F. Perls also emphasized that the process of organizing such an experience leads either to a creative adaptation or to interruptions, stereotypes, or anxiety. The importance of theoretical provisions on the relationship of figure and background, the concentration on the interpretation of the integrity or splitting of the figure in this current situation is difficult to overestimate [2, p.36].
Due to the provisions on phenomenological, dialogical and superiority of experience over rationalization, the significance of certain psychopathological traits and symptoms in eating disorders remains insufficiently studied from the point of view of the Gestalt approach.
MKH-10 (International Classification of Diseases) provides, among other things, the following definitions of symptoms of anorexia nervosa (F.50.0) and bulimia nervosa (F.50.2): patients perceive themselves as very fat, are close to fears of overgrowth, and consider that only very low weight is permissible for themselves. ”[1, p.355]. DSM-5 stands out among other criteria for anorexia nervosa: intense fear of gaining weight and excessive influence of weight and body shape on self-esteem [6].
Among the causes highlighted by the Alliance on Eating Disorders is, in particular, a set of biological, social, psychological and interpersonal factors. Gestalt therapy can affect the aforementioned consequences according to these psychosocial causes or interpersonal characteristics in the relationship.
In our analysis of the symptoms of eating disorders, we rely on Yontef’s definition of healthy functioning of the body. In his opinion, in healthy functioning the figure changes depending on what is needs, that is, it shifts to another focus when the need is satisfied or when it is suppressed by a more urgent need. Healthy functioning, according to the findings of the Gestalt theorist, includes a creative adaptation [5, p. 148]
References:
International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health Problems. 10th revision // Cataloging of publications. WHO Library Service. – 1995. – Volume 1. – Part 1. – 698 p.
Perls F. The theory of gestalt therapy. – M .: Institute of Humanitarian Studies, 2004. – 384 p.
Siemens H. A Practical Guide for Gestalt Therapists. Trans. Dutch – St. Petersburg: Pirozhkov Publishing House, 2008. – 168 p.
Philipson P. Self in relationships. – M .: Dobrosvet, KDU Publishing House, 2014. – 272 p.
Yontef G / G. M. Yontef. Awareness, Dialogue and Process: Essays on Gestalt Therapy. – The Gestalt Journal Press, – New York. – 1993 – P.148-
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. —5th ed. – Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data, American Psychiatric Association. – 2013. – 920 p.