Of interest in this paper is the success of a therapeutic philosophy and its resultant management tactics that differ diametrically from the more usual approach. Rather than 'we won't let you die', the theme is 'though we are concerned we can't stop [you]'. The results achieved are at least as good as other reported series and would appear to demonstrate that a crucial variable is not in- or outpatient management, but a therapist capable of remaining unthreatened 'by the possible death of the patient'.