The authors present the case history of an adolescent girl with anorexia nervosa to illustrate their thesis that the symptom complex of this disorder is a mode of nonverbal communication that strives for the reinstitution of a regressive pattern of relationship with others who are significant in the environment. These regressive relationships are seen as a retreat from genital heterosexuality to either harmonious union with the mother or re-enactment of an ambivalent feeding conflict. The article includes a brief historical survey of the anorexia nervosa syndrome and some details of the hospital treatment of their young patient.