Ellen West was an anorexia nervosa patient who became one of the most famous examples of existential analysis. Her troubled life ended in suicide by a lethal dose of poison at age 33.

In 1944, her Swiss psychiatrist, Ludwig Binswanger (1881–1966), published a disturbing report of West's life. Her private diary and poetry, which contained explicit details of her emotions and psychological state, were used in the account.

[edit] In popular culture

Poet Frank Bidart wrote a poem called "Ellen West."

Alternative rock band Throwing Muses recorded a song called "Ellen West" on their 1991 album The Real Ramona.

[edit] External links

• Ellen West
• Personality Theories: Existential Psychology by Dr. C. George Boeree
• Ellen West - Eating Disorders

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