Hidden grandiosity in bulimics.

Abstract

A hidden grandiosity in bulimics, with supporting case material and a theoretical framework, is described. The author describes its relation to social pressures, its masked manifestations, how it functions in the bulimic's psychic economy, how it emerges in therapy, and treatment strategies. The trait is described as relevant to well-known features of bulimia, such as black-andwhite thinking, perfectionism, different rules for self and others, and specialness. Of particular relevance are the connections to borderline personality disorder, narcissistic injury, and ego deficits.

Eating Like an Ox: Femininity and Dualistic Constructions of Bulimia and Anorexia

“…Such dichotomous representations are also evident in the accounts of health experts who associate 'high achievement, perfectionism and self-control' with anorexia (Butler et al, 1990: 67) and characterize self-starving girls as 'perfect children, obedient, hard working, excelling academically, admired by their teachers, and often confidants of their parents' (Whyte and Kaczkowski, 1983: 91). In contrast, women with bulimia, generalizes psychotherapist Riebel (2000), practise 'a kind of rebellious selfishness' and 'break common rules of honesty and civility ' (p. 183).…”