Demystifying Anorexia Nervosa: An Optimistic Guide to Understanding and Healing

by Alexander R. Lucas

Overview

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 a plethora of books on the subject, most are either personal accounts of recovery or attempts to explain the disease from only one perspective, be it psychoanalytic, behavioral, 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.
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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195133387
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/15/2004
Series:	Developmental Perspectives in Psychiatry
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	8.52(w) x 5.62(h) x 0.80(d)
Lexile:	1160L (what's this?)

About the Author

Alexander R. Lucas, M.D., 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.

Table of Contents

Preface     ix
Acknowledgments     xiii
Introduction     xv
What Is Anorexia Nervosa?     3
How Does Anorexia Nervosa Evolve?     11
How Common Is Anorexia Nervosa?     19
What Causes Anorexia Nervosa?     27
The Signs of Trouble     54
What to Expect in an Evaluation     63
Making the Diagnosis     70
Disorders That Mimic Anorexia Nervosa     77
Physiological Effects of Starvation and Weight Gain     82
How Is Fertility Affected?     89
Bulimia, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating     94
Treatment     102
Is Recovery Possible?     138
Can Anorexia Nervosa Be Prevented?     155
Message for Patients     161
Resources for Families     163
Notes     167
Index     175

Editorial Reviews

"Dr. Andy Lucas demystifies anorexia by providing us with the fascinating mysteries of clinical cases (and their solutions) along with the equally fascinating mysteries of his research efforts (and their results). A clear, informative book for every patient and parent to read and for every physician to recommend."—Lenore Terr, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco

"Dr. Lucas has infused an immense amount of wisdom and experience into this highly readable book. A must-read for patients and family as well as clinicians who want a concise, balanced, and up-to-date discussion of the art and science of the treatment of anorexia nervosa."—L. K. George Hsu, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Tufts-New England Medical Center

"Andy Lucas has written an excellent book that respects the individuality of the patient with anorexia nervosa while offering sage advice, reassurance, and hope to their parents. Highly recommended."—James C. Harris, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics and Director of Developmental Neuropsychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

From the Publisher

Reviewer: Patricia E. Murphy, PhD (Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This inviting book makes its point about the different causes, treatments, and outcomes for people with anorexia very gently through the use of cases. Although the content is rich, readers are led through stories about patients and their families with compassion.
Purpose: The author points out that there are many myths about this frustrating illness. One myth, for example, is that anorexia is usually the fault of the parents. Rather than having families turn to the Internet or dramatic stories in the media, this physician with 40 years of experience hopes to offer reliable and less pessimistic information about anorexia.
Audience: Although this will not provide answers for all of their questions, families of children with anorexia are apt to get both support and solid information from this book. Clinicians who work with persons with this diagnosis might also find it provides a refreshing perspective on anorexia nervosa.
Features: The table of contents looks fairly clinical, for example, "What Causes Anorexia?" However, the information, which has a solid research base, is provided in understandable bits along with stories that highlight the topic. When useful, illustrations and graphs support the content. As a reader, I found that this had a calming effect and I expect it will be the same for parents. Families will find it particularly helpful to have information about what to expect in an evaluation and treatment. The author writes with great respect for patients. This could alleviate some of the fears of both the patient and the family.
Assessment: 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.

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