Doody's Book Review

This is a clearly written and thorough explanation of eating disorders, including their variations (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and others), complicating factors, treatment approaches, and the recovery process. This book is intended to convey a better understanding of eating disorders from the perspective of practitioners, patients, and their families. Since eating disorders are so often misunderstood or oversimplified in the media, this book helps to clarify our understanding of what has become an increasingly common disease process. The authors are writing for anyone affected by or interested in eating disorders, with the additional goal of providing a reference for those advocating for more and better treatment facilities. Both authors are family practitioners with extensive clinical experience treating patients with eating disorders. Beginning with a complete description of each disorder, the book goes on to describe complicating factors such as depression and substance abuse, cultural and personal issues that perpetuate the disorders, medical, pharmacological, and psychiatric treatment options, and finally, the recovery process. Highlighted excerpts from patients help to present their point of view, giving it more credibility, certainly, for those suffering from one of the disorders. A section at the back gives a list of treatment facilities in both the U.S. and Canada. This is an excellent resource for people wanting to develop a better understanding of this topic, whether it affects them personally or someone they know or treat. It would be especially helpful in family therapy, since it can be understood by almost all age groups. It also provides a tool for those who hope to advocate for better treatment choices and gives hope to patients and their families that recovery is possible. Diana H. Marta, BSN, RN(Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center). Copyright 2001, Doody Publishing