Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast Eating Disorders: Empathy, Alexithymia, Reflective Function
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Aug 16, 2024 Dr. Tom Wooldridge, a psychoanalyst and expert in eating disorders, shares unique insights into the emotional complexities of these conditions. He emphasizes understanding the deeper emotional issues behind symptoms, highlighting the connection between narcissism, shame, and body image. The discussion covers the distinctive challenges men face with anorexia, emphasizing societal stigma and early life experiences. Wooldridge also explores the concept of 'father hunger' and how it relates to eating disorders, illuminating the importance of tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Origin of Interest
- Dr. Tom Wooldridge's interest in eating disorders began with a young male anorexia patient.
- His training focused on symptom-based family intervention, but he felt it lacked depth.
Empathy Gap
- Clinicians' fear and panic can hinder empathy when treating severe eating disorders.
- These feelings can lead to pressured interventions rather than understanding the patient's inner life.
Meaning of Symptoms
- Eating disorder symptoms express underlying psychological pain patients cannot process.
- Alexithymia, the inability to verbalize feelings, hinders their ability to express this pain and seek help.