
Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa
An Optimistic Guide to Understanding and Healing
Alexander R. Lucas(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 24. April 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
200 pages
978-0-19-534080-8 (ISBN)
Description
Emotionally and physically devastating, anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness in teenage girls, striking one in every two hundred (boys only make up 10% of all cases). And while there are many books on the subject, most are either personal accounts of recovery or attempts to explain the disease from only one perspective, be it psychoanalytic, behavioural, cultural, or biological.
Now, in this much-needed resource, Dr. Alexander Lucas draws on 40 years of experience mostly at the Mayo Clinic to offer clear guidance and authoritative advice on how to overcome anorexia nervosa. Based on his own unique research with thousands of patients, and striking a careful balance between psychological, cultural, and biological approaches, Dr. Lucas demystifies this seemingly irrational disease and guides parents through the harrowing process of recovery. The book defines anorexia, illustrates how it can evolve and how common it really is, and outlines every part of the treatment process, from the early warning signs that parents should watch out for, to the initial evaluation, to specific treatment plans. Dr. Lucas emphasizes the patient's role in defining the healing process, with the support of the family and medical team. Throughout the book, he counsels optimism, stressing that in spite of the destructive power of the disease, most who suffer from anorexia nervosa fully recover and are able to live normal, healthy, and productive lives. In his new Introduction, Dr. Lucas stresses the need for controlled studies of treatment in anorexia nervosa, and reiterates the hard truth that anorexia will always be a complex disorder that takes time and patience to overcome.
For anyone seeking level-headed, medically sound, and comprehensive guidance on the most effective treatments for this life-threatening disorder, Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa offers a wealth of reliable, reassuring information.
Now, in this much-needed resource, Dr. Alexander Lucas draws on 40 years of experience mostly at the Mayo Clinic to offer clear guidance and authoritative advice on how to overcome anorexia nervosa. Based on his own unique research with thousands of patients, and striking a careful balance between psychological, cultural, and biological approaches, Dr. Lucas demystifies this seemingly irrational disease and guides parents through the harrowing process of recovery. The book defines anorexia, illustrates how it can evolve and how common it really is, and outlines every part of the treatment process, from the early warning signs that parents should watch out for, to the initial evaluation, to specific treatment plans. Dr. Lucas emphasizes the patient's role in defining the healing process, with the support of the family and medical team. Throughout the book, he counsels optimism, stressing that in spite of the destructive power of the disease, most who suffer from anorexia nervosa fully recover and are able to live normal, healthy, and productive lives. In his new Introduction, Dr. Lucas stresses the need for controlled studies of treatment in anorexia nervosa, and reiterates the hard truth that anorexia will always be a complex disorder that takes time and patience to overcome.
For anyone seeking level-headed, medically sound, and comprehensive guidance on the most effective treatments for this life-threatening disorder, Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa offers a wealth of reliable, reassuring information.
Reviews / Votes
"This valuable book for parents and patients provides both scientific information about the illness and a sense of community with the stories of other families who have dealt with the stressor. Clinicians might want to suggest it for bibliotherapy or even have loaner copies for their clients."--Doody'sMore details
Series
Edition
Updated Edition
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
252 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-534080-8 (9780195340808)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

LUCAS ALEXANDER R
Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa An Optimistic Guide to Understanding and Healing Upd. ed
E-Book
04/2008
1st Edition
Oxford University Press
€10.79
Available for download

Alexander R. M. D. Lucas
Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa
An Optimistic Guide to Understanding and Healing
E-Book
04/2004
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€15.49
Available for download

Book
03/2004
Oxford University Press Inc
€62.40
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Alexander R. Lucas, MD, is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and former Head of the Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic. For forty years he has been a recognized authority on anorexia, with a practice that drew patients from around the world.
Author
Emeritus Professor, PsychologyEmeritus Professor, Psychology, Former Head, Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mayo Clinic, USA
Content
Preface ; Acknowledgements ; Introduction ; 1. What is Anorexia Nervosa? ; 2. How Does Anorexia Nervosa Evolve? ; 3. How Common is Anorexia Nervosa? ; 4. What Causes Anorexia Nervosa? ; 5. The Signs of Trouble ; 6. What to Expect in an Evaluation ; 7. Making the Diagnosis ; 8. Disorders that Mimic Anorexia Nervosa ; 9. Physiological Effects of Starvation and Weight Gain ; 10. How is Fertility Affected? ; 11. Bulimia, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating ; 12. Treatment ; 13. Is Recovery Possible? ; 14. Can Anorexia Nervosa Be Prevented? ; Message for Patients ; Resources for Families