The author traces the case histories of five anorexic female patients treated in the therapeutic milieu in a psychiatric inpatient unit. The history of anorexia nervosa is reviewed, incidence of the disorder is cited, and common characteristics are described. Case histories are presented in terms of events precipitating the weight loss, behavior and treatment in the inpatient unit, and finally, release from the unit. The milieu treatment program is reported to include field trips, diary keeping, tutoring of younger patients, and classroom management procedures. (SBH)