Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery

by Lindsey Hall, Monika Ostroff, Monika Ostroff (Joint Author)

Overview

Anorexia nervosa, in simple terms, is self-starvation. However, it is a complex problem with intricate roots; and, recovery is best accomplished with a grasp of sound information, specific tasks, and the support of others. All of that is provided in this guidebook, which includes:

• Answers to questions most often asked
• Insight from recovered and recovering
• Monika Ostroff's story of recovery
• Specific things to do that have worked
• Information on healthy eating and weight
• Suggestions for how to stay committed
• A special section for parents & loved ones

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780936077321
Publisher:	TURNER PUB CO
Publication date:	11/10/1998
Edition description:	1ST
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.50(d)

Read an Excerpt

This book is for people who want to understand and recover from anorexia nervosa. Both of the authors of this book have fully recovered from eating disorders, and many individuals who have recovered or are recovering from anorexia also contributed insights and suggestions.* Whether you yourself are suffering with anorexia or you know someone who is, their wisdom can inspire and guide you.

As you will read in Chapter 2, Monika Ostroff battled with anorexia for many years. She shares her story of self-starvation, years of unsuccessful treatment, and eventual breakthroughs that led to her complete recovery. Her ideas about the nature of anorexia and what it takes to defeat obsessive food behaviors and thoughts encompass much of the text. She writes with understanding and compassion; and, when she recommends that you try something, it is because it has worked for her. . .

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments x
Introduction xiii
Chapter 1. Questions Most Often Asked
What is anorexia nervosa? 17
Who gets anorexia? 20
Why do people become anorexic? 23
How do I know if I have an eating disorder? 29
Is anorexia dangerous? 31
What thoughts and feelings are associated with it? 35
What role does exercise play? 39
Is anorexia related to sexual trauma? 41
What special issues are faced by males? 45
How does anorexia affect relationships? 47
Do people recover from anorexia? 50
How long does it take to get better? 53
Can medication help in recovery? 55
Will I need professional help? 57
When is hospitalization necessary? 60
What if I don’t always want to get better? 61
Chapter 2. Monika’s Story 63
Chapter 3. Where to Start
Choose Life 89
Willingness and Courage 91
Listen to Your Inner Voice 92
Chapter 4. Get Support 96
Professional Help: The Treatment Team 97
Family and Loved Ones 106
Other Support 108
Chapter 5. What Has Worked for Many 110
Get to Know Yourself 111
Journal Writing 114
Identify Goals 117
Challenge Your Cultural Influences 119
Have Compassion 123
Change Your Mind 125
Feel Your Feelings 129
Be Gentle with Your Pain 131
Body Image Work 133
Relaxation 136
Strengthen Your Boundaries 139
Cultivate Healthy Relationships 141
Spiritual Pursuits 144
Let Go 146
Express Yourself 149
Focus on Recovery 150
Chapter 6. Healthy Eatingand Healthy Weight 152
Set Point and Metabolism 153
Healthy Eating: Where to Begin 154
Getting Past Food Fears 157
Chapter 7. How to Stay Committed 163
Ambivalence 164
Slips and Setbacks 165
Relapse 166
Holding onto Hope 169
Chapter 8. A Guide for Parents and Loved Ones 171
Resources 179
Bibliography 183
About the Authors 186

Editorial Reviews

This inspired, compassionate book will be a tremendous resourceto persons whose lives are, or have been affected by anorexia. With a refreshingly appropriate balance of anecdotal material and research evidence, the authors portray recovery from anorexia for what it is. This is a book that I will refer others to with professional and personal confidence.

Lori M. Irving

With the glut of books written about anorexia nervosa, this guide is awelcome change, written for and to the anorexic herself. It speaks directly to the patient answering her questions, providing examples of recovery, and gently walking her through exercises and techinques she can do at her own pace. Every therapist should lead his or her clients to it.

Carolyn Costin