Psychological treatment of obesity with phentermine resin as an adjunct.

The author treated 12 patients who had demonstrated only a minimal response to psychiatric treatment alone for their obesity with a combination of psychotherapy and an anorectic, phentermine resin. Psychotherapy was directed toward developing an awareness of the underlying anxiety related to the problem of obesity and fostering the subsequent ability to change the pattern of overeating. All 12 patients were treated successfully, and 9 reached ideal weight. Weight loss was maintained or additional weight was lost when the medication was discontinued.